A System of Building Franchises - school self-administration within Edmonton Public Schools system

School Administrator, May, 2001 by Joanne Young

Renergized Feelings

While Millar, leader of the Ellerslie twinned schools, said he can't think of another environment he'd rather work in as a principal, all the autonomy sometimes feels kind of lonely, especially in the middle of an uncompromising situation.

"You can't call someone and say ... will you do this? The decision is always back on you," he said.

On the other hand, it has been exhilarating to be in charge of planning and executing a program that will help ensure that the small community on the edge of Edmonton that Ellerslie is a part of remains vital. While the area is growing, it still has a semi-rural feel. To meet the community's needs, Millar is emphasizing academic excellence and environmental studies, with an outdoor science classroom second to none.

"We have our own little Shangri-La," he said.

The area also has a predominant low-income population with needs for family support, parent training and social services.

While the work can be draining, Millar feels he can re-energize by talking and meeting with colleagues who face the same kinds of challenges he does. He meets regularly with both large groups and a smaller group, comprised of 10 principals in the same geographic area.

The larger group discusses the bigger issues of student achievement and strengthening the profession: how to provide leadership with courage. The smaller group gets down to the nitty-gritty of how those issues apply to their schools.

While the school district may seem to be principal focused, the principals raise up the students and community as the priority.

"Everybody is here to support students, down to the custodians," Smith said. "This is a district of choice. Students vote with their feet."

JoAnne Young is on education writer with the Lincoln Journal Star, P.O. Box 81609, Lincoln, Nab. 68501.