By Erica Dial
In a recent interview, Mr.
Ward discussed his feelings towards the new position he had taken as principal at
Cookeville High School. After serving at Cookeville High School for
over a decade, Mr. Ward was able to
take the position effortlessly. When asked about the transition, Mr.
Ward spoke eagerly. “I was in
an extraordinary position last year, in that I was able to serve as
interim principal. I got a pretty
good taste of what it was like to serve as a principal. I was able to
learn and understand the demands of
the job; something that most do not have the opportunity to do before actually taking the position
of principal. I really know the school, our faculty and staff, and
our student body. I couldn't walk away
from the opportunity. I think so highly of our community and our
school.”
As should be expected with
a new job, difficulties have arisen with the start of the new school year. Mr. Ward enlightened
me on the most difficult aspect of his job, which is the deluge of information he receives in
each day. “The biggest problem for any administrator,” Mr. Ward
reveals, “is the communication. Finding
clean, consistent ways to communicate with faculty and staff has been
the biggest challenge."
Unsurprisingly, as should
be expected with a transition in administration, a few modifications
in policy may take place this
year. “The most notable change,” Mr. Ward explains, “that
students will see early on, is the morning
tardy policy. There are warnings for the first and second tardies,
but an administrator must be
involved after the third.” Most of the other policies are
county-wide and will not require any immediate
attention. Another change has occurred with cellphones. “The first
offense, the student under question will
receive a warning and a meeting with Mrs. Fillers, explaining the
policy.” It is hoped that these changes
will simplify and dilute the number of punishments. In order to
prevent further wrongdoings, the
administration aims to ensure that students understand that what they
are doing is wrong and how to
avoid the issue occurring multiple times.
When asked if he had any
advice for the current students of Cookeville High School, Mr. Ward responded, “I believe in
keeping things very simple. Students are in a school that provides
the very best opportunities available. The
secret in education lies in respecting and understanding the student.
I would tell my students to
work hard and do right, and things will take care of themselves.”
