by Tim Coray
Granger Elementary Community School Director
Principal Amber Clayton is the conductor of a very large symphony. From the Preschool piccolo section to the 6th grade sousaphones, along with numerous support staff in the wings and ushers in the aisles, over 100 people turn their eyes to her for direction. Behind her, an audience of committed parents and invested community partners demand a quality performance. And, we must not forget the sweepers who clean up when the daily show is over. That’s a lot of responsibility for West Valley’s Granger Elementary principal.
The landscape of being a school administrator has greatly changed over the years. It was once enough for principals to make schedules and manage buildings. Today, in addition to those yesteryear duties, they are tasked with analyzing and improving student achievement, developing staff, and setting the direction of a school. Educational standards and assessment methods have become more rigorous. Reporting to the public has become more detailed and transparent. With those changes comes accountability that lies with schools’ staff, especially principals.
Different designations create additional responsibilities for administrators. Title I, Focus and Priority, and Community Schools each come with additional opportunities and responsibilities. Some intrepid principals lead schools that fall into each of these categories.
That is to say, the conductor of the symphony is not only responsible for staffing the sections but also details down to the quality of musicians’ pitch. And, the repertoire is becoming more and more challenging to play.
October was National Principal Appreciation Month. Bravi! to Amber Clayton and all other principals, especially those in our South Salt Lake, Kearns, Park City, Guadalupe, and Clearfield Promise Partnerships! We sincerely thank you for your dedication to students, families, and the work of Community Schools.
