VALDOSTA —
Dr. Janice Richardson has been named the new principal of Valdosta High School.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dr. Richardson for several years,” said Valdosta City Schools Superintendent Dr. Bill Cason. “Most recently as the principal for J.L. Newbern Middle School where she did a fantastic job of turning a needs-improvement school around.”
Richardson came to J.L. Newbern Middle School in the middle of the 2009-2010 school year. Prior to Richardson’s direction, Newbern had been consistently on the needs-improvement list, with one exception, since 2001.
“We were all so proud of the accomplishments made under her leadership,” said Cason. “Most importantly, we were proud of her school being removed from the needs-improvement list. I’m looking forward to Dr. Richardson having the same success at VHS.”
As an administrator, Richardson has a unique leadership advantage since she has served on numerous levels within the city school system. Aside from being the principal at Newbern, she was an assistant principal at S.L. Mason Elementary School and a high school math teacher for five years.
“I know what it’s like in the elementary school, the middle school and the high school,” said Richardson.
Her background made it easy for Cason to approach her about the job.
“We agreed I could come in here and do this,” said Richardson. “I’m proud that they have so much confidence in me.”
While Richardson is a seasoned administrator, being head of a high school is a different ball game.
“The school is like two or three middle schools put together,” said Richardson, who jokingly admitted to getting lost a time or two in the high school trying to find her way around.
While incoming freshmen may seem like kindred spirits for Richardson as they get to know the school together, she already has a special relationship with the upcoming graduating class of 2013.
“In middle school, I told the graduating eighth-grade class that when they graduated high school, I would be sitting in the front row,” said Richardson.
At that time, she had no idea that she would be serving as the high school principal for this class. Keeping such promises helped Richardson change the culture at Newbern. She plans to apply the same principles as principal of Valdosta High.
“The biggest thing at Newbern was changing the culture of the school,” said Richardson. “We have to change the culture here as well.”
Here is how Richardson plans to move Valdosta High from a good school to a great school.
“We have to make students proud to go to school here,” said Richardson.
First, she wants to focus on increasing the school’s graduation rate, which keeps the school on the state’s focus list.
“I will do home visits if I have to,” said Richardson. “My goal is to truly raise the graduation rate at Valdosta High School.”
She plans to offer incentives, like she did at Newbern, to push kids to stay in school and get their diploma.
“We have to celebrate small achievements,” said Richardson.
However, Richardson said, improvements won’t come by exclusively paying attention to at-risk or struggling students. Attention must also focus on students who are excelling. Every student has to improve, even the ones who may already be at the top of their game.
“I want to make sure that we meet the needs of all of our students,” said Richardson.
While school hasn’t started yet, Richardson officially started as principal on July 2 and she has been working hard.
“I’ve been reading a lot ... going through the handbook and making some changes,” said Richardson. “I also changed some personnel around and I transferred some personnel here with me.”
She has been examining some school statistics and walking the school constantly to make sure she knows it like the back of her hand.
“I’ve been walking the school. It’s so big,” said Richardson.
Rufus McDuffie, the former VHS principal who was affectionately referred to as “Coach,” officially retired June 30. While McDuffie was beloved by students and teachers alike, Richardson doesn’t feel it will be difficult for the school to accept her.
“Most of the students know me,” said Richardson. “The majority of students have been under my leadership.”
Richardson is most excited about seeing how the young children she once led have grown into young adults.
“It’s very special to see those kids start and see them when they graduate,” said Richardson.
As Richardson said, teachers have to believe in students so students can believe in their school.
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Brittany D. McClure | The Valdosta Daily Times Dr. Janice Richardson has been named Valdosta High School’s new principal.
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New principal ready to lead Valdosta High
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