Story last updated at 7/28/2010 - 12:10 pm
JUNEAU - The Juneau School District has chosen James Hicks as the new principal for Mendenhall River Community School. Originally from Kodiak, Hicks has almost 20 years of experience in education, nine of those as an elementary principal in the Salem-Keizer School District. Prior to that he worked as a classroom teacher at both the elementary and middle school level, a coach, and an assistant principal.
Juneau Superintendent Glenn Gelbrich announced the hiring decision last week.
"Jim has a number of strengths that were evident during the interview process," Gelbrich said. "He is a good listener with strong communication skills and is an experienced administrator who has been able to create successful learning environments in his schools."
A panel of school district staff, teachers and parents recommended Hicks for the job following a national search and public interview process that took place in Juneau in early July. Last week, district administrators visited his home school district to meet with teachers and district leaders.
Following that visit, Hicks was offered and accepted the position.
"The whole experience of coming to Juneau was a tremendous learning opportunity," Hicks said. "Involving the community and staff in the interview process was a valuable experience and I am impressed with the way it was handled."
Having spent 23 years in Kodiak, Hicks is no stranger to Alaska.
"I am very excited for the opportunity to return to Alaska and to join a great learning community in a district that is moving in the right direction," he said.
Hicks began his education at the University of Alaska's Kodiak College, eventually graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Education with Bilingual Emphasis from Western University in Oregon. He completed his administrator and leadership training at Portland State University. He starts at Mendenhall River Community School August 9.
