2006.06.21: June 21, 2006: Headlines: COS - Thailand: Education: Patriot Ledger: Thailand RPCV William Conard will be the new principal at Randolph High School
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2006.06.21: June 21, 2006: Headlines: COS - Thailand: Education: Patriot Ledger: Thailand RPCV William Conard will be the new principal at Randolph High School
Thailand RPCV William Conard will be the new principal at Randolph High School
Since 2002, Conard oversaw the development of a ‘‘small schools’’ curriculum at Clemente in which students are grouped according to their academic interests during their four years of high school. "Due in large part to Mr. Conard's work, Clemente High School was recognized this year by the International Center for Leadership in Education as one of 75 promising schools nationwide for developing and establishing the implementation of small schools," Silverman said.
Thailand RPCV William Conard will be the new principal at Randolph High School
Chicago educator to lead high school: Superintendent cites his experience and leadership skills
By FRED HANSON
The Patriot Ledger
RANDOLPH - A Chicago educator will be the new principal at Randolph High School.
William Conard, the acting principal of Roberto Clemente High School, was appointed last night by Superintendent of Schools Richard Silverman. Conard, who grew up in Canton, will assume his new duties on July 10.
A fellow finalist for the job, Michelle Stauss, has been asked to return to her job as assistant principal after serving as acting principal during the selection process.
Silverman said Conard comes to the school system highly recommended and was the best candidate.
‘‘He has strong experience in curriculum and instruction, in student management, classroom and student environment and in developing community relationships,’’ Silverman said.
Conard has been at Clemente High School for nine years. He was an assistant principal and dean of students before becoming acting principal at the school in February. Before that, he had taught reading and English.
Located on the city’s West Side, Clemente High School has about 2,400 students, more than twice the number of Randolph High School.
Most of the students are Hispanic, from either Mexican or Puerto Rican backgrounds, and more than 90 percent come from low-income households. School closings in Chicago last year, caused changes in the student body and created racial tensions.
Silverman said Conard played an active role in restoring order.
‘‘There were some tugs and pulls there,’’ Silverman said. ‘‘One of the things he was able to do is stop the violence.’’
Since 2002, Conard oversaw the development of a ‘‘small schools’’ curriculum at Clemente in which students are grouped according to their academic interests during their four years of high school.
‘‘Due in large part to Mr. Conard's work, Clemente High School was recognized this year by the International Center for Leadership in Education as one of 75 promising schools nationwide for developing and establishing the implementation of small schools,’’ Silverman said.
The center’s report on Clemente praised the school’s efforts.
‘‘This is a school that has one of the most challenging populations. They are raising expectations and creating a school environment that is smaller and focused on rigor and relevance. Clemente’s administrators and educators have a lot of positive practices to share with other schools in similar situations,’’ the report concluded.
Silverman said Conard’s work in small schools wasn’t the primary reason he was selected, but said this is something Randolph should be looking at.
‘‘One of the things we need to do is make schools more personal and accessible to students, and one of the ways to do this is break it down to schools-within-a-school,’’ the superintendent said.
Conard holds a bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater State College and a master’s degree in teaching and learning from DePaul University in Chicago. He expects to complete a doctorate in education in December at DePaul.
He also was a Peace Corps volunteer in Ratchaburi, Thailand, and taught at Kancanaburi Teacher’s College in Thailand.
Conard is married and the father of three children.
Silverman said Conard sought the job so he could return to the area where he grew up. He said the salary terms have yet to be negotiated.
‘‘He told me this is the only job he applied to,’’ Silverman said of Conard. ‘‘Other than this, he would have stayed at Clemente.’’
Silverman thanked Stauss for the contributions she made since taking over the acting principal’s duties after Principal Robert Johnson went on medical leave in November. Johnson will retire in October.
‘‘She continues to be a strong leader and educator whose skills add much to Randolph High School,’’ Silverman said of Stauss.
Fred Hanson may be reached at fhanson@ledger.com .
Copyright 2006 The Patriot Ledger
Transmitted Wednesday, June 21, 2006
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Story Source: Patriot Ledger
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