Alpine School District introduces Dr. Joel Perkins as superintendent, outlines three priorities

Dr. Joel Perkins was introduced as the new superintendent of Alpine School District at a community meet-and-greet where he outlined three guiding priorities and fielded questions from parents, students and staff.

Perkins framed his “big 3” as gratitude, excellence and ‘‘high levels of learning for all students,’’ saying those principles will guide decision-making across the district. "I have what I call my big 3, and my big 3 are number 1, gratitude... number 2, excellence... and number 3, high levels of learning for all students," he said.

Perkins said his leadership style will emphasize listening to classroom teachers and school staff and being visible in schools. On how employees can expect to reach him, he said he will answer emails, visit classrooms and solicit feedback: "I'm gonna be out in schools... I will be in the building... I will be asking questions because I want to know their opinions." He described his role as removing barriers to support classroom instruction.

Asked how the district will select metrics tied to student learning, Perkins said the district will work collaboratively with teachers and administrators through professional learning communities and use research and action research in classrooms to test and refine measures. "Were gonna pull together first grade teachers... collectively we'll determine what are the best metrics to use," he said.

On teacher burnout and retention, Perkins described teaching as ‘‘an incredible labor of love’’ and cited change and the demands of addressing varied student needs as contributing factors. He said the district will ask teachers for input on supports and structures to reduce overload and turnover.

Perkins declined to commit to specific staffing appointments at the event, saying personnel decisions and policy development are matters for further board discussion. He told a student questioner that policy changes are "a little bit down the road" as the new district organizes itself.

The formal portion of the event concluded with a band performance, a community bucket-list activity and a meet-and-greet with refreshments. Perkins said organizers will continue to consult teachers, parents and staff as the district develops concrete plans for class size targets, staffing and program supports.