Madera Principal Leaving – Meeting Held on Replacement Search

Schools Superintendent Bruce Harter met with Madera Elementary School parents and staff Tuesday night to get input on selection of a new principal to replace , who has been named to a district administrative post.

Cotton will become director of human resources for certificated personnel, which includes teachers, for the West Contra Costa Unified School District.

Harter also confirmed for Patch that Portola Middle School, which has been , will get one for the coming school year, but did not say who is expected to fill that position.

Harter said he expects a recommendation for the new Madera principal to go to the school board either June 27 or July 11.

Harter was at Madera to get ideas from parents and staff about what they want in a new principal.

Speakers said they’d like someone who is an advocate for parents, staff, and students but also a leader. Also mentioned was someone who would be available and communicate well and encourage teachers to be accessible to parents, be able to work with students and families with varied backgrounds, respect the existing culture and traditions of the school, and take a strong stand against bullying. Speakers also mentioned the importance of flexibility and advocating for Madera to the school district.

One parent noted that there has been a lot of turnover in the principal position at Madera – Cotton leaves the post after just two years – and said she hoped for more stability. Harter said the district asks principals to commit to at least four years but that things come up that can interfere with that, like the advancement opportunity for Cotton. He said there is not a set cap on how long the district keeps a principal in a position.

Madera PTA President Steven Gaffagan posted the following brief report on the meeting on the PTA Web site today, Wednesday:

Dear Madera friends,

Yesterday evening, a group of Madera parents and teachers met with WCCUSD superintendent, Dr. Bruce Harter. We discussed hiring a new principal. About 22 parents and 6 teachers attended, and the session lasted about 45 minutes.

I was very impressed with the varied, thoughtful suggestions offered to Dr. Harter. Everyone kept him busy taking notes. He would like me to appoint a parent representative, to assist the district in hiring the new principal. The parent representative would need to attend a session in Richmond, for about 4-5 hours. This session would likely take place either Monday or Tuesday next week. Please let me know if you are available and interested. Note: Madera teachers will also send a representative.

Have a pleasant day,
~steven

Steven Gaffagan
Madera PTA President, 2012-2013

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Betty Buginas is a teacher in the West Contra Costa Unified School District and a frequent Patch contributor.