From a part time social studies teacher teaching guitar classes, to becoming head of the social studies department, to assistant principal, Henry Kydd has worked his way up in the high school and is now set to take Deb Kelly’s place as principal on Jan. 23.
“If you had told me when I started here in ‘04-05, that in 20 years I’d be becoming principal, I wouldn’t [have believed it] I thought I would be a social studies teacher for my entire career – it’s what I wanted to do,” Mr. Kydd said.
But slowly his priorities shifted as he became more involved with ELHS. He came to realize that he enjoyed taking on leadership roles in the school.
“Over my years here, I have been mentored by a lot of really great people and along the way people encouraged me to take on different roles. It’s been kind of a natural evolution from that point,” Mr. Kydd said.
Superintendant Jeffrey Newton announced the leadership plan for ELHS last year. This intentional arrangement allowed for Mr. Kydd to shadow Ms. Kelly and be conscious of learning needs for his new position and have an experienced mentor close by. Learning how to manage the budget and the master schedule are just some of the new tasks Mr. Kydd has been learning to take on. Amongst these tasks is the shift from focusing on mainly the student population to the school as a whole. There will be more focus on management of the goals of the school.
“I view my role as an assistant principal and as a principal to be a lead teacher. I think the principal should be a really good example of what a solid teacher is. A solid teacher inspires kids on the classroom level and I think the principal should be doing that on a larger level,” Mr. Kydd said.
As assistant principal, Mr. Kydd spent a lot of time with students, whether talking them through
a tough situation or a simple conversation in the lunchroom. However, as principal, his day-to-day schedule will be adjusted to focus on not only curating a positive atmosphere amongst students but amongst the school community as a whole.
Creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere in the school is the highest priority for Mr. Kydd. He aims to collaborate with students to achieve this atmosphere, and hopes to create a system where students will easily be able to access the principal and give feedback.
Coming from the position of a teacher and assistant principal, Mr. Kydd prioritizes his ability to communicate with students and teachers alike, giving him a headstart in the position.
“I knew when we made the decision for Mr. Kydd to become the next principal that it was the right decision. My time with him shadowing me has really cemented this. I’ve watched Mr. Kydd talk to people, and that’s where I know everything will be okay… I know people will feel cared for, safe, and well-managed,” retiring principal Ms. Kelly said.
