When I learned that Mariner High School Principal Brent Kline was up for national principal of the year I was delighted, but hardly surprised. (July 5 article, “Mariner High principal up for national honor.”) Now the rest of the country will know what we already know: We have a true public servant, leader and mentor right here in Snohomish County.
The other day I attended a forum at the Mukilteo School District for the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The organization wanted to know why principal Kline was the best candidate for the award. While all the comments were glowing, the best ones came from his own students.
Their school used to be known as a gang school, they said. Some of the students were even concerned about school safety. Getting to know their principal probably wasn’t the first thing on their minds. Now, it’s probably one of their top priorities. They know they can walk in to principal Kline’s office any time. They know he’s their No. 1 fan when it comes to their education and their safety. They have goals, dreams and expectations for their future. They’re proud of their school, each other, and themselves. That pride is reflected in many ways, perhaps none so convincing as the recent 2.1 percent increase in the school’s on-time graduation rate.
I don’t know what the outcome of this award nomination will be, but either way I remain an ardent admirer of this champion of children; and I thank him for his dedicated service to our community.
John Lovick
Snohomish County Executive
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