Hicks selected as Mendenhall River Community School principal
The Juneau School District chose James Hicks of Sublimity, Ore. as the new principal for Mendenhall River Community School on Wednesday. Hicks replaces Patty Newman who left the position to become director of curriculum and instruction with the JSD.
"I am very happy and excited about his selection," Juneau Superintendent Glenn Gelbrich said. "The selection committee saw in Jim someone who could help build on the success they have been achieving. They also saw someone who is a really good listener and that was what we heard from the people we talked to at his previous posts. He is not afraid to make a decision."
Hicks' last job in Juneau was a little different than what he will be doing for the local community but his love for Alaska is still the same.
"I have great memories of Juneau," Hicks said. "I was a busboy for the Hilton Hotel while visiting one summer when I was 18. I remember seeing all the green trees and the setting and there is really nothing like the people in Alaska. I am very excited to be coming back to Alaska."
A panel of school district staff, teachers and parents recommended Hicks after a national search and public interview process in early July. District administrators visited his home school district to meet with his peers last week.
"I get the opportunity to come in Monday and meet with staff at an open house and see where they feel we are at as a school, what their priorities are, what they value, and what they think are our strengths and weaknesses," Hicks said. "I am there to support them. I am there to figure out what is working well and just try to continue to make it a stronger program."
Hicks previously spent 23 years in Kodiak. He began his education at the University of Alaska's Kodiak College, graduating with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. He later earned a master's degree in education with a bilingual emphasis from Western Oregon University. His completed his administrator and leadership training at Portland State University.
Contact Klas Stolpe at klas.stolpe@juneauempire.com.