Before becoming principal, what teaching and or administrative positions did you hold?

I began as a teacher&8217;s aide in 1979. I began college the summer of 1980 and became a kindergarten teacher the fall of 1984. After teaching kindergarten for seven years, I moved to a counselor position. I taught classroom guidance lessons for five years and then transferred to the Demopolis Middle School where I served as counselor for eight years.

I served as assistant principal for the past two years at DMS. I am in my first year as principal at Westside. I am in my 23rd year with the Demopolis City School System.

What plans or aspirations do you have for the students at Westside Elementary?

I have great aspirations and high expectations for our students. We have a dedicated, skillful instructional staff that strives to help every student meet their capabilities.

I want to instill in every student that he or she is a person of worth and that through hard work, they can become anything they want to be.

How has the beginning of the school year gone so far?

I am surrounded by a fantastic support group. The office staff, custodians, maintenance personnel and teachers have gone a second and third mile to get our school ready for open house. The central office has also been supportive.

The combined efforts of all of these resulted in a smooth transition period and an excellent first two days of school.

I am pleased with how things are going.

How is the addition to the school coming along, and when will it be ready for use by students and teachers?

We hope to have our receptionist area and nurse&8217;s station completed in the next month. The expansion wing is slated to be complete by the end of first semester.

What plans or aspirations do you have for the faculty and staff of Westside Elementary?

I inherited an instructionally strong staff. We will strive to be more unified in our efforts and continue to set high goals for ourselves professionally as well as for the students. My desire is for us to gain a sense of family in the process. Everyone is important on our faculty.

What do you look forward to most in your day?

I gain the most pleasure from helping parents, teachers and students. If I can help solve or prevent a problem, or if I can help improve the status of an issue, I feel I&8217;ve done my part.

What is your least favorite part about being principal?

Disciplining is never a person&8217;s favorite thing to do. It is a very important part of an administrator&8217;s duties. I strive to be proactive with students so they are set up to be successful in the classroom and make good decisions.

When they don&8217;t, I am here to deal with it.