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74 °F Forecast | Road Cams Sunday, April 4, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend March 16, 2004 Cynda Rickert, principal of South Medford High School, reacts to news Monday that she�s been selected Oregon Principal of the Year. Mail Tribune / Jim Craven Rickert is state’s top principal South Medford High School administrator stunned by honor, says it’s truly a team effort By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune To a standing ovation of colleagues and family, South Medford High School Principal Cynda Rickert was surprised to learn Monday she had been selected 2004 Oregon Principal of the Year. The award, which was kept secret from her by her staff, came from the Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators. "I don’t handle surprises well," said 49-year-old Rickert as she received the news in the school auditorium. Rickert became principal of South Medford six years ago, following three years as principal of McLoughlin Middle School. Advertisement "This couldn’t happen to a more wonderful person," said Medford schools Superintendent Dick Gregory. "The students love her," said school board member Tricia Prendergast, to which an audience member responded, "And the parents love her, too." Susan Castillo, state superintendent of public instruction for the Oregon Department of Education, also recommended Rickert for the national principal of the year in a letter last year. "With Cynda’s leadership, the students at SMHS have exceeded the expectations set by the administration," she stated. "They have shown that with a little ingenuity and a great leader, terrific things can happen." Castillo cited various achievements of Rickert’s administration, including the creation of transition classes for incoming freshmen. Passing grades for freshmen have increased from 80.1 percent in 1998 to 88.1 percent in 2002 under the program. Rickert’s administration created a program for at-risk students that helped them stay in school. She also helped create a program for students learning English in which they received special help in other subjects, such as social studies, math and science. A schoolwide program begun in 1998 resulted in a 77 percent reduction in discipline referrals by the end of the school year. Rickert first tried this discipline program at McLoughlin, where she established rules, routines and procedures that were backed up by appropriate consequences. As a result, discipline referrals dropped from 6,007 to 2,078 in the first year. During the announcement Monday, Rickert said she couldn’t take all the credit for her achievement. "It’s not ever about one person," said Rickert. "It’s about a team that comes together and works hard for kids." Rickert, who lives in Jacksonville with her husband, Lee, has been the principal for her two children. "I like having her here," said Marty, who is a sophomore at South Medford High. Her 18-year-old daughter, Kaylee, who attends college in San Diego, Calif., said, "I’m really proud. She sets a good example for me to follow." Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times