Newsmaker
Monday, November 16, 1998
Name: Linda Smith
Age: 47
Education: Western Washington State College, UH
Occupation: Principal, Kauai High & Intermediate
Hobbies: Golf, listening to music
Always looking out for what's good for her students is what Linda Smith is all about. Looking for the best
"She makes every effort to find ways for them to excel so they're ready to go into the work force or continue their education," said parent Shayda Marciel. "She truly believes in this."
So it was no surprise to those who know her when Smith was recently named 1998 Hawaii Principal of the Year by the Hawaii Association of Secondary School Principals.
Whether it's identifying her students' needs for more technology or installing lockers, her decisions are always based on what's good for the students, Marciel said.
Smith's goal is to strengthen the partnerships her teachers have developed with people outside the school, including parents and businesses.
"I'd like to see a school community where people are sincerely working together as partners in education," Smith said. "It's everybody combined that has helped us become successful. We're not there yet, but we keep working on it day to day."
Smith has brought stability to a school that has seen principals come and go, said Vice Principal Scott Topp.
Among her strong points is using the strengths individuals have and putting them to work in positions that fulfill the school's mission of preparing students to become literate, responsible and contributing members of society, he said.
Smith strongly supports parents as an integral part of the campus community. She offers them workshops to learn how they can better support their children's education.
Workshops on conflict management, parenting and computer skills have helped to bring parents and students closer together, Marciel said.
Smith sees her role as principal as more of a facilitator - "someone who hopefully can help people do what they need to do and provide assistance and guidance."
When she hears about a success at another school, she looks at how the approach might work at her school and builds on it.
While challenges do arise, since change can be uncomfortable to some, staying focused on what is best for the students and how they can best succeed helps to overcome barriers, she said.
Staff development and training also is an important part of the school's success, and Smith makes sure her teachers have an opportunity to participate.
One day is set aside each quarter for teachers to receive training on how to be more effective in the classroom. Teachers also can visit other schools to observe what's working there.
Debra Barayuga, Star-Bulletin
