PLATTSBURGH — Finalists for Plattsburgh High School principal provided the community with their vision for the future at an open forum.

Both candidates say they intend to transform the High School into a world-class institution that will work as a model for the rest of New York state.

The School Board expects to make an appointment at its Nov. 12 meeting.

The finalists, Glenn Hurlock and Catherine Oldenburg, are vying to fill the position vacated by John Fairchild.

GLENN HURLOCK
Hurlock, currently assistant principal at the High School, said his accomplishments include improved safety and a decline in student referrals and incidents related to respect issues.

He said he's reduced the absentee rate from 7.5 to 6.7 percent and increased parent-school contacts and the use of community agencies to support students.

Hurlock restructured summer school to save the district $15,000 in 2009 and instituted changes in after-school instruction that resulted in $100,000 in savings during 2008-09.

"I wanted to come here because it is the perfect place to raise children," he said of the community.

Hurlock conducted a survey of faculty and staff pertaining to his performance as assistant principal and said he scored 95 percent or higher in all categories, including support of students' educational needs and staff.

"Our mission is to provide the best possible education at Plattsburgh High School," Hurlock said. "We need to provide a learning environment in which all students feel safe and valued and prepare them for life after high school."

Hurlock would have the High School be more inclusive and supportive, challenge all students appropriately, increase communication, push students to reach their maximum potential and make data-driven decisions.

With 25 percent of ninth-graders reading below grade level, he said, one area of focus must be literacy.

Hurlock said the district must emphasize Regents exams and fill in the gaps, develop a volunteer program to bring more parents into the school, provide high-quality training to teachers and continue monthly assemblies to address specific issues, such as diversity.

Students at risk of dropping out need targeted intervention, he continued, including a connection with an adult in the building.

"We can go from a really good school to a world-class learning center that becomes a model for other schools in the region and across the state."

CATHERINE OLDENBURG
Oldenburg would also strive to turn Plattsburgh High School into a world-class school.

"Public schools are the cornerstone of our democracy, and we cannot settle for good."

Oldenburg, who said she always desired to teach, strives for the smile that comes with understanding.

As an administrator, she walked into Westfield Academy, a struggling Charter School threatened with closure, and took it to the top.

"I am pleased to say their charter was renewed."

Western New York Maritime Academy tapped her, and she did the same there, she said.

Oldenburg said she has improved academics, school climate, student discipline and teacher retention in urban, rural, private, public and charter schools.

"Every school I've left, I've left in better shape than when I found it."

Oldenburg said she leads by consensus and is caring, compassionate, collaborative and committed to students.

Areas she thinks she could improve at Plattsburgh High School include attendance rates, the number of students receiving advanced Regents diplomas and more success for special-education students.

Oldenburg believes goals should be set for every ninth-grader and monitored continually. Every year counts, and students must be told this.

She stressed that students do not learn at the same rate so the school must develop differentiated teaching techniques.

"We can't expect our kids to value education if we don't value education, as well," Oldenburg said. "Teachers and administrators must be lifelong learners."

She would use performance data to drive instruction, build bridges to the community and local colleges and increase parental involvement in school, to include her own phone calls to parents daily.

"I have 10 more really good years to give. I would like to end my career in Plattsburgh."

E-mail Stephen Bartlett at: sbartlett@pressrepublican.com