Committee recommends Empire principal to board

Pat Carpenter has served in the Carson City School District for 28 years and has no plans to retire. That's a plus, because she could be Empire Elementary's principal next year.

Associate Superintendent Mary Pierczynski said the district will recommend Carpenter to the school board Tuesday for approval.

"It was a unanimous decision," Pierczynski said. "We chose her based on her experience at the elementary school level."

Carpenter started in the district as a sixth-grade teacher in 1972 at Bordewich when it served as the middle school.

Since then she has served in a variety of positions in teaching and administration.

"It's very enjoyable, very rewarding," Carpenter said. "I really truly enjoy helping the students become successful."

Carpenter, who served as assistant principal at Empire and Seeliger elementary schools this school year, said she was excited to learn that she was recommended.

"I was overwhelmed and excited," she said. "I'm really, really pleased. It's an opportunity to work with an excellent staff."

Carpenter said she feels prepared to take on the new responsibility.

"My familiarity with the people, procedures and policies in this district is really an advantage," she said. "Having worked at Empire this last year, of course, gives me a leg up on the staff and how I can best support them."

She said her goals for the school coincide with those goals that the staff already holds.

"The goal is to have all students reading at grade level as soon as possible and ensure that students progress so they can perform successfully," Carpenter said.

Carpenter said she loves doing what she's doing and plans to continue.

"It's challenging. It's never routine or monotonous," she said. "If you ever want to feel valued, all you have to do is be around students."

Also on the agenda for the school board meeting:

-Overview of the prison and adult education budget.

-Recognition of teacher mentors.

-Overview of K-5 social studies textbooks and elementary music text.

-Summary of last week's board retreat meeting.

-Results of high school proficiency tests.

-Renewal of board legal services contract with Allison, MacKenzie, Russell, Soumbeniotis, Ltd.

If you go:

What: Carson City School Board meeting

When: Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Where: Carson City Community Center in the Sierra Room