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Editor’s Letter: Feb. 25

By Barry E. Moore
Executive Editor

Barry E. Moore

Employee turnover for any business can be tough, especially if the employee is in a leadership position. Garner Magnet High School has had its share of turnovers at the helm during the past few years, and for whatever reason it occurs, it still impacts the school, students and dedicated staff – and many times negatively.

GMHS finds itself in that position again, with the recent announcement that Michael Holton has stepped down for personal reasons midway through this school year. The timing couldn’t be any more critical, and the appointment of a new principal is all the more just as critical. How so? The new appointment has to be someone with a track record of success in the classroom, administrative experience, dedication and a love for GMHS and its students and staff.

The Wake County Public School System has already begun the process of reaching out to parents and staff for input for this selection. WCPSS representatives have scheduled meetings with staff and parents this week.

The outcome of those meetings is unknown, but WCPSS is starting off on the right foot – and good on ‘em. The opinions of parents and staff are important and rightfully so for such an important process.

In a letter to participants that are assisting in putting the meetings together with staff and parents, Lloyd Gardner, area superintendent for Southern Wake County schools, outlined the following examples of input that WCPSS is looking for: desired characteristics and qualities, assets, traits, particular skills and particular experience.

This kind of information is standard when it comes to seeking a replacement, but there are other factors that should be taken into account. During the week of Feb. 16, I received numerous phone calls and e-mails about the vacant position.

During last year’s absence, assistant principal Drew Cook filled the vacancy and served off and on again while Holton took leave. Everyone I’ve talked to raved about Cook’s performance.

“The school didn’t miss a beat,” one GMHS staffer told me. “Drew loves the school. He grew up here and went to school here. It’s only natural that he would want to someday lead the school.”

Cook supporters have taken their plea to the web. A recent posting supporting Cook’s appointment says, “For those of you in Garner, please support Drew Cook for the principal at Garner Magnet High. He’s been the chief assistant principal for the last seven years, went to Garner, taught at Garner, coached at Garner and genuinely cares about the school and community. The job is not just a stepping stone to bigger and better for him. He is good people.”

Another posting also showing support for Cook says, “Drew is the only person they could promote to principal at Garner that would have 100 percent of the staff behind him 100 percent.”

That kind of support should stand out in the minds of those who make the recommendations to the ones charged with making the appointment as long as the same sentiment was expressed at the meetings with staff and parents.

The last time Garner had a principal who enjoyed a long tenure and was seen as being successful was when John Williams served. Williams, like Cook, was raised in Garner, graduated from Garner and came back to teach in Garner. This should be a definite plus when evaluating Cook’s credentials for taking over at GMHS.

Related articles:

• Garner APs promoted to principal
• Parents Lobby Superintendent for ‘Strong, Organized’ Principal
• Garner High Principal resigns because of health issues, N&O reports

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