A new principal at school-Forest Hill Elementary's Sharon Smith

October 11, 9:38 PMMobile K-12 ExaminerMark Ewald

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Principal Sharon Smith with Forest Hill students

Surprised, shocked, honored—these feelings ran through Sharon Smith’s mind when she learned she would be the new principal at Forest Hill Elementary. She expected another assistant principal assignment because of budget constraints. Now, she had a little over a month to prepare to run a school as principal for the first time.
 

A teacher since 1997, Ms. Smith accumulated classroom and administrative experience at inner city and north Mobile county schools, including several assignments as an assistant principal. But what does a new principal face when she sits down in the office that first week?
 

“My first priorities were getting my staff in place, reviewing established policies, assembling staff handbooks, and looking at the school’s academic improvement plan,” relates Ms. Smith. This involved analyzing test data and SAT scores for each student over the last three years.
 

The next task was forging a relationship with her faculty, many of them veterans at Forest Hill.
 

“I sent letters to each faculty member and also conducted in-service meetings so they could get to know me. One presentation was called Everything You Wanted to Know about Sharon Smith, But Were Afraid to Ask. Another team building exercise was a balloon release. Inside was an excuse for student failure, so letting them go removed them and renewed our sense of responsibility to our children.”
 

Parents had to be won over also. “Some were concerned, leery of a new person whom they did not know,” admits Smith. She spent time visiting local retailers so parents could meet her on their terms. “I did have parents approach me and ask about changes at the school,” says Smith. “I was able to hear and respond to their concerns in a less formal setting. I think most have come around now.”
 

Smith’s emphasis during the first quarter has been to build a family atmosphere at the school and keep it on course academically. Smith, however, has added a personal touch to the school’s routine. “I love incorporating the arts into each subject area. With the budget cuts this year, we won’t have an art teacher, so I’m giving art lessons in each class because it means so much for many of our students.”
 

Forest Hill’s students have responded with hugs for their new principal. “I love my students and they are precious to me. They tell me their news and problems as I walk through the corridors,” she says with a smile.
 

Smith says she doesn’t feel any greater pressure as a principal. “I had great mentors when I was an assistant. The only difference is that I sign the checks, but I’ve been comfortable from day one.”
 

When asked to give herself a grade, Smith hesitated slightly. “That’s difficult…an A for effort. But I rely on my faculty for support and ideas to improve the school’s operations and ensure student success.”

For More Info: You may contact Forest Hill Elementary at 221-1270.