The search for a new Shorewood High School principal continues. The number of candidates has been narrowed down to about twenty-five, and Superintendent Dr. Blane McCann estimates that a new principal will be initiated by the beginning of next semester.

Advertising has ceased and the next step is to determine a list of finalists. Even though McCann is in charge of the process, his recommendations must go through the hiring committee before anything is final.  McCann hopes this step will be finalized before winter break.

McCann explained the length of the process.  “Part of it has been my time crunch; the fact is that there has been so much that has needed to be done,” he said. “It is a priority and it’s at the top of my list.”

During the search, other administrators have taken up the role of principal. “Mr. Kenny has been doing great,” McCann said.

 “I think he’s been doing his job perfectly…I haven’t noticed much difference between now without a principal and last year when we had a principal,” said sophomore Chase Miller.

Junior Caitlin Petersen said, “This year the rules are enforced more than last year when we had a principal.”

Mr. Warren, retired assistant principal, has helped out at the school on occasion.  “He’s been helping out with some supervision and helping with some athletic contests,” said McCann.  Other people have been coming to the school to help out as well.  “It’s been a real team effort,” said McCann.

The hiring committee is looking for a variety of qualities in the new principal. “What we heard from the parents is that we are looking for someone that can bring a strong curriculum and instruction focus.”  McCann added that he was looking for someone who could focus the school on the aspects of student learning that need improvement. “We have a very good school here with a very fine group of teachers and we need a strong leader that can continue to improve our curriculum and school.”

Miller said, “A good principal to me is strict, has low tolerance for bad behavior, but can also connect with the students.”   

Peterson said, “A good principal should be self confident, know what his priorities are, and come with new rules and ideas.”