Malinda McReynolds: Leading at the School and District Levels
Malinda McReynolds
Class 3, Lead
What is your Vision for Impact Statement?
To create secure spaces for all students and adults where they feel safe in discussions on how differences impact the community.
You recently changed jobs, and are in a new role. Tell us about it.
I absolutely love my new role in the Princeton City School District! I work with 6th - 12th graders, spending two days in our Princeton City Middle School and two days in our high school, where I support faculty, staff, and students in various ways. I have also enjoyed being immersed in the community, covering several extracurricular activities and cheering on our students.
The responsibilities of my new position as a 6th-12th grade assistant principal cover a lot of areas under the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) umbrella. That includes many different positive behavior intervention supports, like supporting students in their academics and social emotional skills; partnering with families; training and evaluating teachers; serving on the Equity in Action Committee; and establishing a new girls’ group for at-risk students called Viking Leading Ladies.
How did your involvement with School Board School impact your decision to look for a new role?
As promised as a School Board School member, the learning program provided me with a deep understanding of how school districts currently operate and how to make systemic change.
After taking a huge leap and pursuing the new position in the Princeton City School District, I am more confident in my skills and knowledge about the “big picture” and influences in my profession. I also developed necessary skills to network so that educational leadership at all levels- from community activists to school board members- represents the fullness of the community.
Have you used your School Board School training/ learnings in your new role?
Absolutely! Although there is a list of responsibilities in my new role, there is also a lot of autonomy in designing sustainable programs that assist in the process of being an educational advocate, along with supporting Princeton's strategic plan for Equity in Action.
What impact are you (and/or your team) making in your new role?
One area where our team is already making an impact, is with a new program. The vision of Middle School Principal, Dr. Dave Mackzum, and High School Principal, Ron Bollmer, drives the “Viking Leading Ladies” program at both of the schools. The program began last week, and is aligned to my vision statement from School Board School: “The Viking Leading Ladies group creates a safe and supportive space for middle and high school girls to develop confidence and leadership skills in knowing their own worth and value as contributing citizens in their school community.”
What do you love about your role?
Of course, there are challenges in the midst of COVID, however, I love the autonomy that my role provides to support the administration, faculty, and students in both the middle and high school buildings! I’m such a driven person, I think I may be doing the roles of two people on my own- I put in nearly 14,000 steps on most days to help provide support in various areas. I also love the camaraderie and Princeton pride in the district!
How can the School Board School community support you in this work?
We could use a lot of support with the new Viking Leading Ladies group. Three ways in particular are:
I need support in fundraising and designing a budget for the program to be sustainable.
We also need help with mentors/volunteers who are willing to meet with at least 30 at-risk young ladies to provide support in academics and social-emotional learning and to help progress and monitor their behavior(s).
We need guest speakers and field trip ideas.
What advice do you have for other School Board School members as they look for new roles?
The sky's the limit in the field of education and beyond! Maintain those connections in the community and continue to network, network, network!
Is there anything else you want to highlight?