Tisdale earns WNC’s Principal of the Year

Rochelle Tisdale, principal of Oasis Academy College Preparatory School received the Western Nevada College Principal of the Year award at the Governor’s Mansion in Carson City this spring.

WNC Dean John Kinkella nominated her for the award, which was presented during a special ceremony and dinner honoring other WNC Jump Start program leaders and students as well.

“Rochelle Tisdale has been a very strong supporter of the Jump Start College dual-enrollment model endorsed by Gov. Sandoval,” Kinkella said. “The support of the high-school principal is absolutely critical in the growth and success of dual-enrollment programs like Jump Start College.

“Rochelle has consistently advocated for and encouraged dual-enrollment as the new model for Nevada. Her tireless advocacy resulted in Oasis Academy having the largest group of associate of arts degrees of any high school in our service area at the May 2017 college graduation. Western Nevada College very much appreciates her energy and commitment.”

Tisdale explained Kinkella worked closely with Oasis Academy and her while developing its dual high school and college enrollment cohort model, including interviewing numerous students to gauge placement and sign them up properly.

The principal recalled the first meeting the school and Kinkella had in one of its classrooms that ended up being filled to the brim and overflowing with about 300 people, she said.

“There’s just so much interest,” she added of the public charter school. “John and I have spent a lot of time together.”

Tisdale continued to explain how he knows her well and that’s helpful — she said he knows when she’s going to be protective of her students and understands what she wants and expects.

“They just really admire how we have supported our kids,” she said of WNC. “They really like the quality of the Oasis model … We’re changing the face of education.”

Tisdale described how students meet with their counselor once a week as well as receive classroom guidance, college and career guidance, scholarship information and information about options such as the military.

The principal said the academy also brings in career speakers, offers special needs assistance and a level of support to help students succeed with adjustments made but expectations sustained.

“Rochelle has put her heart and soul into ensuring that our Jump Start program is a success, and more importantly, that our students are successful,” said Melissa Mackedon, CEO of Oasis. “The amount of support she has built into the program to ensure success is unsurpassed in the state.

“Her tenacity was recognized by WNC when they awarded her Principal of the Year. I could not be happier or more proud of what she has accomplished.”