When I first became a principal 13 years ago, I told myself (and my wife) that I wanted my school to provide a “world class education” and that I wanted to be known as the best principal in the North Country and in the state.

Kevin is the principal of Keeseville Elementary School in Keeseville, NY, which has been awarded the CFES School of Distinction honor for four consecutive years.

When I first became a principal 13 years ago, I told myself (and my wife) that I wanted my school to provide a “world class education” and that I wanted to be known as the best principal in the North Country and in the state. I set a very high goal for myself and my school.

I know that saying “I want to be the best principal in the state” sounds a little cocky, but the truth is and was, I wanted to be a leader that could make real change. As a principal, I had the power to impact many more people. I also knew the importance of leadership and that is why I wanted to be the best; leaders in a school do make a difference.

I researched what great principals do and I worked tirelessly for my students and staff. Of course I made mistakes along the way but over time I was able to see great results with the students and even within the community. Each year, I made goals for myself in areas I wanted to see improvement and each year, by working with staff, we made goals and developed a school vision. Amazingly, in 2011, I received a call from a representative from the group in New York state that chooses the “New York State Elementary Principal of the Year,” during that call, I was told that I was nominated by a peer for the award and that they determined I was one of the three finalists.

I could not believe it, and then a couple of weeks later I learned I was officially being named the 2011 New York State Elementary Principal of the year. I was amazed, humbled and to be honest, extremely proud of my school and of myself. I remember saying to my wife, “Remember when I told you I wanted to be the best principal in New York State?” Well, I don’t know if I really am or was the best but some people thought I was for sure back in 2011.

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