GM’s Ferenc named VT Principal of the Year

Green Mountain Principal Tom Ferenc/ photos by Shawn Cunningham

By Shawn Cunningham

Green Mountain Union High School Principal Tom Ferenc has been named MetLife/NASSP High School Principal of the Year for Vermont. It was just last week that another Chester educator, Frank Kelley, was recognized statewide for his history teaching chops.

The award – which is underwritten by MetLife on behalf of the National Association of Secondary School Principals – honors achievement based on four criteria: Set direction, develop people, redesign their organizations and manage their instructional programs.

Bill Bourque, out-going head of the GMUHS board, said, “During his time at GM, Tom has had a tremendous and positive impact in many areas including student outcomes, school climate, building renovation and the integration of technology.”

Bourque added that Ferenc “has instituted programs such as Professional Learning Communities at the faculty level, academic mentoring and educational support for struggling students, project-based learning, and Virtual High School to name a few. His leadership is a great asset to GM and he’s made a real difference.”

The nomination itself cites that Ferenc has rewritten the school’s Action Plan to concentrate on fewer but more attainable outcomes while focusing staff attention on issues that hinder progress. It goes on to recognize Ferenc for organizing faculty committees for greater effectiveness, moving technology to the forefront and communicating effectively with the students, faculty and community at large.

“When I accept this award, I’ll be doing it on behalf of the students and the community, but especially the teachers who make what we do here possible.”

Tom Ferenc
Principal, GMUHS

“It’s wonderful to be honored by your peers,” Ferenc said, “but when I accept this award, I’ll be doing it on behalf of the students and the community, but especially the teachers who make what we do here possible. Working in public education can be very hard, but it’s also very satisfying to help kids get a good start.”

Principals of the Year from each of the states are eligible to be named 2013 National Principal of the Year. Finalists for that honor will be announced in July with the winner announced at the State and National Principals’ Institute held in Washington, D.C. in September.