The Addison School District 4 Board of Education recently approved the promotion of Bob Pape to principal at Army Trail School. Pape, who is assistant principal at Indian Trail Junior High, will replace Nicole Conaway as principal for the 2008-09 school year.

Q: How does it feel to be named principal at Army Trail, knowing you will be in charge of the day-to-day operations of the school?
A: It is a real honor to be named as the next principal at Army Trail Elementary. The experience that I have gained as an assistant principal at Army Trail for one year and at Indian Trail Junior High for two years I believe will help me handle the challenges I will face when dealing with the day-to-day operations at Army Trail.  

Q: What are you looking forward to the most?
A: Having been at Army Trail as the assistant principal two years ago, I am looking forward to working with the students and teachers again that were there when I was there, as well as getting to know the new students and staff members. 

Q: What can students, staff and parents expect under your leadership?
A: All stakeholders at Army Trail can expect a collaborative leader. It takes a team effort to teach a child, and I strongly feel that same approach is needed to run a successful school. Being familiar with Army Trail, I know that there is a wealth of experience and expertise among the staff, so I plan on tapping into those resources when making decisions that are best for students. Parents know their children best, so it is crucial that they work with the school and help us in educating their children.

Most importantly, it is the students whose futures we are working toward. My goal is to help the students gain the desire to be successful in school and life, and to arm them with the resources that will allow them to learn to the best of their abilities and reach their goals.  

Q: Describe your leadership philosophy and how it will aid you at Army Trail.
A: I believe different leadership styles are needed for different situations, but I feel my collaborative leadership style will continue to foster collaboration and strengthen the learning community at Army Trail.
 
Q: What are some of your goals, both short- and long-term?
A: Having helped implement Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) here at Indian Trail, I am looking forward to bringing that to Army Trail next year. I know that there are already pieces in place at Army Trail that mirror what PBIS does, but I really look forward to the positive effects that Indian Trail has felt with PBIS this last year taking place next year at Army Trail.

That goal for next year is a step in the right direction for what I see is my long-term goal, which is making Army Trail the best school to be at for students, parents and staff. It is already a great place, but I always think it is important to strive for the very best by continually looking at what areas need to be improved and making adjustments and refining things when necessary. 
 
Q: Describe your leadership philosophy and how it will aid you at Army Trail.
A: I believe different leadership styles are needed for different situations, but I feel my collaborative leadership style will continue to foster collaboration and strengthen the learning community at Army Trail.