Interview with the news HCHS Principal

At last we finally have an interview with our new principal, Justin Wagner. The one on the left in the picture is Mr. Wagner. Here is the interview:

1. How long were you principal at South Sioux City?

8 years

2. What made you come to Harlan?

First, Harlan Community High School has a strong academic and
extra-curricular tradition. Joining a community and staff where so many
quality initiatives are in place is exciting and energizing. Secondly,
my wife is from Carroll, Iowa and this would get us closer to her
parents and family.

3. What is your greatest accomplishment as principal so far?

Good question. I have had a wonderful experience while at South Sioux
City high school and have been fortunate enough to be part of some great
initiatives. South Sioux City is extremely progressive and aggressive
in educating every student that comes to our doorstep regardless of
previous experiences and knowledge. I take a great deal of pride in
having brought the drop out prevention program to the district four
years ago. This was a 1.5 million dollar grant that I helped to write,
create, implement and sustain. This resulted in our drop out rate being
reduced to around 2% (about a 4.5% drop over one and half years). In
addition, the initiatives started by this grant are for the most part,
still in place. The school within a school concept which helped kids
increase their GPA’s, increase their attendance and help get them out of
gangs is just one example of the many programs instituted due to this
grant. One other accomplishment I am proud of are our state assessment
scores. While we have a large special education, migrant, free and
reduced lunch rate and minority population we have remained at 100%
proficient in all of our core areas. In fact, we are a leader in the
state in our math and writing scores. Striving and expecting excellence
is something I work hard at and plan on continuing while at Harlan
Community high school. Obviously none of the above mentioned items were
possible without excellent teachers and support staff. The educators at
South Sioux City high school have been amazing! And in my initial
interactions with the faculty at Harlan Community high school they seem
to embody those same characteristics. Do whatever it takes to help
students be successful!

4. What do you plan to do at Harlan Community High Scbool while you’re
principal?

I plan to collaboratively lead this community high school into the 21st
century. A large part of that statement will require me to get a sense
of what is in place and what needs to be tweaked (if anything). I
believe listening to the educators, community members and students in
terms of what is going well and what areas need to be looked at will be
critical. Having said that twenty-first century skills are a must for
students graduating in today’s high schools. Students must be able to
think critically and react efficiently to whatever issues they are
presented with in the future. Technology is key to this occurring.
Please understand that requiring excellence from myself and those around
me will be a plight that I will continue to pursue based on the
foundation and excellence that currently has been developed.

5. What are the things that you like most about the Harlan Community
School District?

The pursuit of excellence in all areas. Whether it’s band, baseball,
football or ACT scores, the Harlan community school district demands and
exudes excellence. Having this blend of consistent philosophies from
school officials, to board members to community members to students is
special. I also am very excited about the students at Harlan community.
I have heard wonderful stories of their work ethic, intelligence and
kind spirit and I am excited to get to know them on a more personal
level.

6. What did you think when you heard of Harlan’s great accomplishments
in athletics, academics, and the music program?

These accomplishments to me are a direct result of doing the right
things. Working hard, talent, perseverance, solid moral and values…..
if these things are in place, the end product seems to take care of
itself. I am impressed with the level of excellence that has been
consistently sustained in all of these activities. I am honored,
excited and humbled by the opportunity to do my part in leading Harlan
community high school into the 21st century. Thank you for your time.

-Ryan Henrich, 6th hour signing off