Heights High Renaissance School Principal James Reed will retire after 27 years of service in the District.
He was a social studies teacher at Wiley for 11 years and in 1999 he moved to the high school to be a Unit Principal, responsible for a class of students as they progress through the school.
In 2003, he became a member of the Small Schools Design team and was the founding principal of the Renaissance School.
Principal James Reed at the Senior Picnic with Student Council President Imani Smith, (L) and Senior Class President Emily Vinson (R).
One of the guiding tenants of the small school model was the emphasis on strong relationships between students and staff as a basis for instruction and leadership. “One of the most rewarding aspects of working here has been getting to know students,” said Reed. “When I could spend the time to understand students, it made it easier to guide them.”
Principal Reed has enjoyed working with the class of 2015. “This year’s seniors are special to me. They have had an impact on the school and I know they will have an impact on their community and country.”
Senior class President Emily Vinson has appreciated Mr. Reed’s leadership of her class and the school. “I first met Mr. Reed when my eighth grade class visited the school,” she said. “Little did I know that he would become someone that I could count on for advice, support and guidance when I arrived here.”
Renaissance teacher Leatrice Douglas has worked with Mr. Reed for 24 years.
“Jim worked tirelessly to build a sense of family and cohesiveness in the Renaissance staff,” she said. “As my administrator he supported my work to be a creative teacher. His retirement is bitter-sweet for me. I am happy for him to have time to do the things that are special to him but I am sad to see him go. I consider him my brother and my friend for life.”
Mr. Reed has not yet made plans for the next chapter of his life, but is looking forward to new opportunities.
“I have great confidence in the school and district leadership,” he said. “And I am very grateful to the parents and community for sending us their children. The families and students have made a positive impact on me.”
All District retirees will be honored at the June 2, 7 p.m. Board of Education meeting at Heights High School.
For the 2015-16 school year, Heights High students will attend school at the Temporary Heights High on the Wiley campus in University Heights. The leadership structure will include an Administrative Principal, Zoraba Ross, and four assistant principals. The assistant principals will be Alisa Lawson-McKinnie, Jane Simeri and Joe Nicklos. A fourth principal will be hired this summer.