Dempsey is named Principal of the Year

By Eric Dolson

Dennis Dempsey, Principal of Sisters Middle/Senior High School, has been named Oregon Principal of the Year by the Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

This is the second time Dempsey has been selected as a state's Principal of the Year. In 1990 he was Alaska Secondary School Principal of the Year. According to the OASSA, Dempsey is the first principal in the country to win the award in two different states since the program began in 1984.

Dempsey came to Sisters in 1992 as the first principal of the then new Sisters Middle/Senior High School. Sisters Schools Superintendent Judy May said the award reflected a goal the district had when Dempsey was hired.

"We had to have a leader who could take the school forward. Dempsey has fulfilled those expectations. He is very willing to take risks and be proactive on behalf of the staff and students," May said.

In a press release sent out on September 7, the OASSA said that Dempsey is "an international speaker and writer on the topic of technology in schools. Each of the three schools he has been principal of has been recognized for excellence in education during his 14 years as a school principal. He also has been a successful cross county and track coach, having coached four state championship teams in cross country..."

Of the award, Dempsey said, "It's a nice pat on the back I guess. I've got a big ego, but this kind of stuff bothers me. It is the staff and kids and everything else (that make for a successful school). Everything's got to work."

Nancy Moen, Director of Public Information with the Confederation of Oregon School Administrators, said there are more than 200 principals in the state eligible for the award.

"I think it is an incredible honor, especially considering the short time he has been in the state. I think a principal has to be highly regarded by their peers to be nominated and elected," said Moen.

Dempsey said he will have to miss the Educational Leader's Symposium in Washington D.C. on September 30 where he will be a candidate or the 1996 National Principal of the Year Award.

"I can't go. I already have a speaking engagement a week and-a-half before that in Seattle, and a principals' leadership network meeting the following week," Dempsey said.

Ozzie Rose, Executive Director of the Confederation of Oregon School Adminsitrators, said that Dempsey had "developed an outstanding program in a small school using technology effectively."

Dempsey acknowledged that technology is one of his areas of interest. Under his direction, every teacher at the high
school has a portable computer with which to track grades and attendance. The Mac and PC labs have drawn educators
from other districts who are envious of the school's installations.

"We have done some things here that others schools only dream of doing, such as in-school electronic mail that will allow students to have direct access to the Internet," said Dempsey.

He credited teachers Jon Renner and Jim Reiss for their abilities and willingness to explore new directions.

Dempsey is also the school's track coach, which he says "gives the kids a chance to see me in another light and a chance for me to work with them on basis other than just being a principal."