Goodman named Principal of the Year
At a ceremony held Thursday night in Helena, the Montana Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals (MAEMSP) named Libby Elementary School principal Ron Goodman the Principal of the Year.
Goodman started as the Libby Middle School in 2004. Years later, when the middle school was blended with the Libby High School, Goodman took over the post of principal of Libby Elementary School. According to Libby Public Schools superintendent Craig Barringer, Goodman’s success in advancing the literacy of Libby’s children is unparalleled.
“The Libby area has the highest unemployment rate in the state, outside of the reservations,” Barringer wrote in his letter nominating Goodman. “Fifty eight percent of our students qualify for free/reduced meals. Despite the high poverty rates in our community, we have never heard Mr. Goodman use this as an excuse for failure. In the past four years, he has led us from 34 percent of our students being Tier III in reading down to eight percent this fall. At that same time, only 53 percent of our students were proficient in reading in 2011. Four years later, 80 percent of our students are proficient at reading. He will continue to work hard to ensure those eight percent are given every opportunity to become successful readers. Ron Goodman has ensured a path to success for our community. Kids in Libby will leave our elementary school with the skills necessary to have opportunities of being a part of the American dream.”
Goodman was not only nominated by his supervisor at the school district, but also by teachers who work under his leadership at Libby Elementary School.
Teacher Jerry Mee, who is also president of the local education association, also lobbied on Goodman’s behalf.
“When Mr. Goodman came to Libby in 2004 I was apprehensive due to the fact he was the first boss I had that was younger than I was,” Mee wrote. “My apprehension was quickly put to rest when I first met Mr. Goodman. Ron is a true professional and excellent with people. Over the last 31 years in education there have been many changes, some good and some bad. Mr. Goodman has embraced change and has led the staff in a professional manner. Mr. Goodman has helped to bring new technology to the classroom that has movitated students and staff. Test scores over the years speak for themselves and the entire school atmosphere has become a positive educational environment.”
Libby Elementary teachers Mary Miller and Jenny Thorstenson also endorsed Goodman, crediting him with creating a positive enviroment and inspiring students, faculty and staff.
“Mr. Goodman is the leader of our positive learning climate at Libby Elementary School,” they wrote. “He is visible in our hallways, classrooms, playgrounds, lunchrooms and meetings, inspiring our students and staff to demonstrate R.O.A.R. behaviors: Respect, Organization, Attitude and Responsibility. Mr. Goodman promotes self-reflection on the R.O.A.R. attributes with individual students on a daily basis when he conferences with them at the beginning and end of each day. Additionally, a key idea that Mr. Goodman has promoted in the past two years is the significance of perseverance.”
Fellow principal Diane Rewerts of W.F. Morrison Elementary School in Troy also lobbied the selection committee on Goodman’s behalf.
“A passionate learner, Ron began the process of immersing himself in learning about elementary reading and math programs,” Rewerts wrote. “For example, he led the school in pursuing the Striving Readers Grant. This was seen as an avenue for improving professional development, which in turn led to improving instruction, which in turn led to improved reading skills of students. Although participation in this project required a huge commitment of time and energy, Ron was able to get the staff on board and involved. In addition to leading the process of improving reading and math instruction, Ron has been instrumental in immersing students and staff in technology integration. Through creative use of grant funding and parental fundraising and involvement, Libby Elementary School boasts a one-to-one technology device program. Students are adept at using touch devices, desktop computers and Chromebooks. Technology is an integral part of student learning at Libby Elementary School.”
Goodman also received the support of other professionals in the education field, including Carrie Cole of Cole Educational Consulting and Eliza Thomas, director of Northwest Montana Educational Cooperative. Thomas told the selection committee Goodman is one of the best school administrators with whom she’s worked in her more than 20-year career.
“As curriculum director for a consortium, the Northwest Montana Educational Cooperative, I have the opportunity to observe, work with and support many administrators,” she wrote. “In fact, on a yearly basis, I support well over 50 administrators. Ron stands out as one of the best I have worked with in my educational career, spanning over 20 years, and in my role as consortium director, spanning over 10 years. He’s just that incredible.”
Goodman was presented with the award at the association’s dinner in Helena Thursday evening, but was unavailable for comment prior to press time, as he was unaware of the honor before the ceremony.