Recently, Darlene Jones announced her retirement after working as FHN’s Head Principal for the last 17 years. This means 42 years of administrative and educational experience will be leaving North at the end of the school year. District officials will soon be searching for a new head principal. In order to keep the staff and students happy, the North Star Editorial Board believes there are certain qualities that officials must consider when selecting her replacement.

Those who want to step into the position of head principal need to connect with the students. Many people can monitor high schoolers and keep things running from behind a desk, but the most effective principal gets on the students’ level. One of the things Jones excels at is making sure she knows the students. Jones can be seen attending sports events and band competitions. She is present at choir concerts and pops in when the student publications are in progress. Members of Student Council have mentioned the pride they feel after hearing from Jones about how they are appreciated. Other clubs have mentioned feeling accomplished after Jones commented positively on their actions. Her genuine curiosity about what is happening in the school is what helps connect her to the students. Whoever the District chooses as the new principal needs to be willing to have this same commitment. Jones is an effective administrator because she is able to level with her students. Without that connection, whoever takes her place will have a harder time monitoring the high schoolers of FHN.

Another thing the next principal needs to be aware of is that he or she will be in charge of a staff that is used to the support and trust that Jones provides. Teachers throughout the school say Jones doesn’t micromanage and has faith that her staff knows what they are doing. When she wants something changed or raises her expectations, she trusts her teachers to take care of it and doesn’t dictate every part of the process. She really listens when they have concerns and appreciates their input for things such as Professional Development. Teachers also say that she really backs them up. They know that she has their best interests at heart and works hard to help them in any way she can. The incoming principal needs to have the same trust in the teachers of FHN. He or she must be ready to support teachers and manage on a macro level and not a micro one.

And obviously, FHN’s next principal needs experience on the job. He or she should know the ins and outs of being an administrator as well as know how to work well with the staff and students. Knowledge of the job and what it entails is important to hiring an efficient and effective principal. Jones had 25 years of educational and administrative experience before she became principal of FHN. Whoever comes next needs to have the knowledge and experience to match her.

However, the most important quality that FHN’s new principal needs is a passion for the job. Jones can be seen in the hallways with a big smile on her face. She loves her job and shows it daily. She takes the time to learn about the students and teachers. She works hard to become educated and stay up to date on the newest educational practices. She embraces change. The next principal needs that passion. Being passionate is what will drive him or her to connect with students, support staff and gain knowledge.

Not many can match the enthusiasm, commitment and dedication of Jones. Her ability to work with students and teachers is hard to find in many others. When someone like her becomes the principal of a school, things just click, and finding a replacement that works just as well is a daunting task. It won’t be easy, but it is absolutely necessary. Simply put, the District needs to be up to the difficult job of finding North another Darlene Jones.