Franks lays out new plan
By Lori Mellinger editor@bullardnews.com

When Scott Franks took on his new position this school year, he knew in what direction he wanted to head.

The new Bullard High School principal, along with his assistant principal Cheryl Hendrix, put their focus in a specific direction - parents.

"If you look at model high schools - research shows they all have one thing in common: parents," Franks said.

So he took that idea and began at the end of the last school year.

He sent out surveys to the parents of the 495

students enrolled this year, asking myriad questions about what they would like to see, ranging from how parents chose to receive information, specific educational programs each would like to see initiated, best days and times for meetings, best meeting locations, and contact information.

Using completed surveys as a guide, he's begun with the roundtable meetings - the first of which was held earlier this month. The discussions include pulling in students to sit in on the discussions.

Parent and intermediate schoolteacher Pam Frederick attended the first meeting, and she believes it's a good sign.

"It's good to know that Mr. Franks realizes that parental involvement doesn't end when kids get to high school," Frederick said.

And while the first was held on a Monday morning, Franks plans to stagger the meetings - both in time and date - so he can get a wider range of parents involved.

"We understand that everyone is busy," he said. "If they can't attend all, we want them to at least be able to attend some." The next discussion is set for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9.

But Franks doesn't take the credit for the programs he's implementing.

"Mr. Speaker prepared me well on the day-to-day operation of the school," he said. Leonard Speaker, former principal, retired at the end of the last school year.

"We may expand the discussions to hosting speakers," Franks said. "And we definitely want to focus on different ways to promote the school and more involvement."

Franks said he could already see changes.

"Teenagers are at a critical point in their lives when they're looking for independence, but they still need guidance," he said.

And much of the guidance he's focusing on is academic in nature.

The school staff has extended its library hours, is working on getting laptops for students to check out and trying to brainstorm on a homework hotline - with various teachers available for assistance after hours - especially in the areas of math and science.

Franks said Hendrix has implemented a credit recovery program.

"It's still in its early stages," Franks said.

The program is only for Algebra students at this point, but Hendrix is working to expand it.

"We know when students fall behind in math, it's difficult - if not impossible - for them to catch up unless we act immediately," he said.

So the credit recovery program's immediate focus is on freshmen.

"That's where it starts," Franks said. "If they fail a six weeks, students have an opportunity to spend a week after school - devoting an hour a day - to catch up."

The school - by the suggestion of the students - has also added a science club and a student council.

"We're setting aside time for an assembly so that students running for office have a chance to speak on their platforms and ideas," Franks said. After that, elections will be held.

"This gives students a sense of ownership," Franks said. "When they have a sense of ownership, they do better in all areas of education."

Other things the staff has planned include an Internet safety program and lessons on study skills. They are also working on an electronic newsletter and making better use of the district and school Web site.

But Franks believes it's a group effort.

"From the bus drivers who are usually the second adults to see our students every day to the staff and the teachers - it's a combined effort," he said. "We have a great group of teachers, too.

"There's a good mix of those with longevity - who give students a feeling of stability - to new ones who bring in fresh ideas, it's a good mix."

He also gives Superintendent Jim Wright and the school board members credit for backing him in bringing these things to fruition.

"They are all the unsung heroes," Franks said. "They are truly looking at what's best for all of us - the entire district.

"We teach to our level of expectations - no matter what career students choose they should leave Bullard High School prepared. We should be the propeller driving their success."