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Assistant principal may soon step up

David Roland, assistant principal at Citrus Springs Middle, is the superintendent's choice for the top job there.

By BARBARA BEHRENDT
Published September 16, 2006

INVERNESS - From his years as a classroom social studies teacher to his time as assistant principal handling discipline and instructional issues, David Roland's professional life has been a preparation to run his own school.

Now he will likely get the chance.

Superintendent Sandra "Sam" Himmel said Friday she will recommend that Roland become the new principal at Citrus Springs Middle School. He has served as assistant principal at the school since last school year.

The School Board will consider Himmel's recommendation during a special meeting Sept. 26.

If approved, he will replace Dave Stephens, who has been tapped to replace Stephen Myers in the human resources and risk management job at the county administration office.

"I'm very confident of Roland's ability to be a principal," Himmel said. "He's had several years of experience as an assistant principal. We've been very pleased with what we've seen with him."

Most of Roland's 19 years of education experience was in the high schools of Marion County.

Before he made the jump to Citrus schools, Roland said, he did his research. He visited Citrus Springs Middle School and was immediately drawn to the school's atmosphere.

"Citrus Springs Middle School has a unique culture," said Roland, 40. "They had a very family or team atmosphere. You could tell that the people enjoyed working there."

During his time as assistant principal, he said, he has been pleased to see that innovation has been welcomed and that all employees feel they play a critical role in the school's operation.

"We all know we're in it together," Roland said.

While he was born in Georgia, he said he considers himself a Floridian. He worked previously at North Marion High School and Dunnellon High School, earning his bachelor's degree from Florida State University and his master of science in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 1999.

Roland, who is married and has two young children, said he thinks his background has readied him for the task ahead.

"I feel I'm prepared to be a principal," he said. "I'm excited about it and I plan to make as smooth a transition as possible for the teachers and students."

Barbara Behrendt can be reached at 564-3621 or behrendt@sptimes.com.

[Last modified September 16, 2006, 06:58:42]