Ep 033 | Leadership at Pinole Valley High School

One of the most common families will ask when moving into a new neighborhood is "How are the schools?" This can be a loaded question that a realtor must answer without bias, but at the same time, the answer could make or break your deal. Today, we begin a new initiative on The Marc Guzman Podcast Experience where we skip the middle man and go right to the schools themselves to get the info you want. My guest today has been the principal at Pinole Valley High School since the start of the 2013 school year. Prior to that, he spent 20 years with the Richmond School district. So please join me in welcoming to the podcast, Principal Kibby Kleiman. Website: wccusd.net/pinolevalley                                         Beer: goodbeer.com/prohibition-ale Getting Started Transition to principal Been in the district since 1988, mainly high school Sophomores and Juniors most engaged students Providing challenges for students Pinole Valley High Refurbishing Communication helps smooth the transition Classes in portables for the next 2 years (5 years total in portables) Adjustments Want to provide a great experience Help from other groups and businesses Make Pinole part of the classroom Construction 3 levels, new school will have more students Small Greek Theater being constructed More outdoor space Sports Teams Girls sports doing very well, Soccer strongest sport 17 sports offered, anyone can play Student athlete time management Interacting with adults more, increases awareness Music Program Great teachers, Bands play 50+ events a year Program funding Make them high profile programs Show off student talent, rally community support Political Impacts Student political clubs Cant be neutral anymore Parent Inquires Website offers information for parents Earth Team Focus on environmental awareness Pay students who participate in projects Teachers passion to help students Online Education District working on getting tablets for students to use Curriculum evolving, creates new challenges and opportunities Career/ Transition to Principal Not all teachers look to move up (The Dark Side) Providing resources for teachers What an average day looks like Test Scores Teaching to a test? Working to become a gold ribbon school Important for everyone to pitch in (including Principal) Faculty 50+ teachers, didn't know many at the start gaining their trust and respect Biggest challenges of being a principal Teacher/ Parent communication Anti-plagiarism software Talk about the Beer - Speakeasy Brewery- Prohibition Ale (Amber Ale) Information/ Contact Info/ Wrap