Photo by Monique Schoenfeld, Town Crier
Pat Hyland was chosen April 6 as principal of Mountain View High School after serving as interim since the beginning of the 97-98 school year.
Town Crier Staff Writer
With eight months in her back pocket as interim principal at Mountain View High School, Pat Hyland was chosen to permanently fill the position of principal April 6.
Hyland had been filling in as a temporary principal since last September, after principal Tom Baer died of colon cancer just days before the start of this school year.
"This is one of hardest things I have ever applied for and have gotten," Hyland said, following her selection by the Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District board.
A graduate of San Jose State University, Hyland has worked in education since 1982. She came to Mountain View five years ago as activities director, after teaching in the East Side Union High School District in San Jose. She also served as vice principal at Mountain View High School.
Hyland stepped in as interim principal during a hard times at the school. During the first weeks of class, she faced Hispanic parents protesting the campus climate in front of the school and students mourning the death of their beloved principal.
Despite the school year's rocky start, Hyland said she believes "The campus climate has gotten a lot more up beat and positive. We've made tremendous progress. I'm feeling good. And the kids feel good, too."
Hyland said she plans to "work on a lot this year," including academics, campus climate and technology.
She said teachers have already trained for "Recipient Teaching," a pilot program aimed at improving student reading skills.
Hyland said through special lunch meetings, she has made a bona fide effort to address student concerns.
"I want to find out what they want and make the school a place where everyone feels like they belong. I want them to feel like this is their home. No one should feel disenfranchised," she said.
Hyland said she has already helped to assemble a technology team that will begin targeting classroom needs. The school installed 70 computers this year, she said.
"I am making a concerted effort to reach out to the community."
School board members chose Hyland from among 27 applicants. Superintendent Rich Fischer said he was "thrilled" that board members selected Hyland.
"I have a lot of confidence in her and expect her to do a tremendous job," Fischer said.