I'm the luckiest person in Madison. I've been the principal of three great city high schools. Like the Stephen Stills song says, "You've got to love the one you're with."

When I come in as an interim principal, student behavior often needs attention. But teenagers do better when schools are safe and predictable. Clear and consistent expectations are appreciated and student behavior quickly improves.

As an interim, I've faced situations where staff morale is diminished. Teachers who have to work in chaotic schools where the leadership is questioned can retreat to the classroom. "Let me just close the door and do my job" can be the prevailing feeling.

Often the administrative team and student services are struggling because they don't know what the interim principal will want. They're questioning whether they'll be supported. Sometimes they wonder if they'll be blamed.

I work on morale the way I've always done. I try to visit every teacher's classroom to say "Good Morning" and let them know I'm there to help and answer questions. I don't see everyone everyday but people know I try and that counts. The administrative team and the student services staff are lavished with as much love and attention as I can give them. They deserve support because they support the students.

Parents often require the most effort. Rarely is there an administrative change mid-year without grave parent concerns. I meet with every parent group as often as possible until a relationship is created and trust restored.

As an interim I have a narrow window in which I can have an impact. Just when things start to get better it's about time to hand the reins over to the next principal. The hardest job is working fast enough on what needs to be created so I can break ground and prepare the school for its next leadership.

I've formed a personal and emotional attachment to La Follette. You love the one you're with and that's true for principals and schools. But as an interim, I know I can't do this job if I'm concerned about being hired as the next principal. I'd end up pulling my punches and it would all become vanity.

So I make a promise with the school I serve. I promise to leave. Whether I'm coming or going I'm the luckiest person in Madison to have been there.