BTMS seeking new principal, asking community for input
Stephen Finn
The Sun
Burlington Township Middle School has begun the search for a new principal after Larry Penny, who held the position, retired. He stayed with the school until Aug. 31 to ensure a smooth transition.
Longtime vice principal Regina Haley stepped up to act as an interim principal until a replacement is secured. The district aims to have its chosen candidate in place July 1, 2019.
Penny had been with the school district for 18 years. He began as vice principal and eventually transitioned to principal in 2004.
According to Director of Human Resources and Community Relations for Burlington Township Schools Liz Scott, Penny was a popular member of the administration and left some big shoes to fill. Given his lengthy tenure, the school staff got to know him quite well.
“When you’ve been around so long, it’s like your family member is moving on to some place else and you won’t get to see them all the time,” said Scott.
As part of the early stages of the hiring process, the district reached out to both parents who have children enrolled in schools and the wider community seeking input as to what they would like to see in a candidate.
“The district is committed to gathering input from our families to use in informing our decisions,” said Scott in an email addressed to Burlington Township families.
Attached to the email was a link to an electronic survey. Parents, staff, students and community members were encouraged to fill out the survey and submit their input to the district. The survey comprised five questions aimed at getting a feel for the expectations of the public.
“We believe in transparency, we believe in getting information from our community so that way we can best meet the needs all around,” said Scott.
Questions included: What do you believe are the strengths and achievements of the Burlington Township Middle School at Springside? What critical issues do you believe the new principal will face in the next couple of years? What background/training/experience do you believe would be important for the new principal to possess? What leadership style/personal characteristics do you believe are important in the new principal? If you could ask the candidate one question, what would you ask?
The new principal will face unique challenges given the age group he or she will be working with, and the district is seeking someone who will rise to that challenge.
“At that age, you’re not a little kid anymore and you’re not an adult. You have a lot of hormonal things going on and trying to find yourself,” said Scott. “Whoever comes into the position it’s going to have to be someone who definitely has that understanding of middle school students and also has an understanding of Burlington Township.”
According to Scott, responses to the survey have been pouring in. Based on the feedback so far, Scott says that parents are looking for someone who is going to continue to foster a learning environment that is challenging and foster a culture of respect. Parents also mentioned wanting someone who is able to address the needs of the students and understand them.
“We want someone who will put children first,” said Scott.
A public input session where the questions asked in the survey can be discussed in a forum setting is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. in the Board of Education Conference Room in the Hopkins Building. The deadline for responses to the electronic survey is Dec. 7.
