Managing the successful start of a new school - School Facilities - Brief Article

School Administrator, May, 2002 by R. Lawrence Pettersen

Schools that open in a positive way tend to stay that way. My initial research interviews with principals indicated that the opposite is also unfortunately true.

Teachers and administrators involved in the opening of a new school typically find it the most exciting and creative experience of their careers. Yet even when the planning and building process has been done correctly, the first full year is stressful and exhausting.

The planning process done well results in a staff ready to meet the new school, the new students and the new community with the necessary lift from a positive rather than a frustrating base.

Larry Pettersen recently retired after 19 years as a high school principal. He can be reached at P. O. Box 2175, Newport, OR 97365.

E-mail: princrlp@aol.com