WCPSS News
Broughton High's Cochran Earns Assistant Principal Honors
Thursday, October 14, 1999--Millbrook High Principal Del Burns has been awarded the Wake school system's top administrative honor, Wake County Principal of the Year. The award was announced at the district's annual Principal of the Year celebration in Cary Wednesday night. Broughton High's Beth Cochran has been named Assistant Principal of the Year.
Dr. Burns is a veteran educator, beginning his career as a special education teacher at Root Elementary in 1976. His administrative background includes experience as a Special Programs Supervisor, Assistant Principal of Enloe High, Principal of Washington Elementary, Principal at East Wake High, and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for Pitt County Schools. Dr. Burns returned to Wake County in 1997 to lead Millbrook High.
Dr. Burns' record is impressive. At East Wake High, he helped to develop significant partnerships with the business community, including an innovative model to boost the use of technology in science instruction. The project was funded by a record $1,000,000 grant from Glaxo Wellcome. Also at East Wake, he coordinated development of an unique apprenticeship program with the Siemens Corporation.
In addition to those accomplishments, Dr. Burns is also noted for integrating Character Education into academic and extra-curricular activities; reducing staff and faculty turnover; involving students, parents, and staff in decision-making; maintaining high visibility throughout the school; and reducing discipline problems.
Millbrook Student Body President Carrie Cobaugh comments on the high level of respect that students afford their principal: "I have never seen anyone give him a smart comment or an attitude anything other than deferential. I have never had the opportunity to work with a better principal or role model than Dr. Del Burns."
The co-presidents of the Millbrook PTSA also praise Dr. Burns' style. Carol Parker and Kathy Kidd say, "Dr. Burns has a reputation as being fair as well as firm in his decisions, but he is always open to new ideas. When a concern is raised, he researches the issue, asks for input from all sources, and is willing to consider new approaches."
Assistant Principal of the Year Beth Cochran brings a wide variety of teaching and leadership experience to the table. For example, Ms. Cochran has served as girls basketball coach; coached the debate team; developed a support team for ninth graders as they transition into high school; designed an orientation program for new teachers; and provided a level of personal support for students that goes far beyond the call of duty.
One student, who had been dealing with family and academic problems, wrote about his assistant principal: "Ms. Cochran is more than an assistant principal: she is a Mom, a leader, and a shoulder I can lean on. Every day I was inspired to come to school, knowing that it mattered to someone that I was there."
Broughton Principal Diane Payne says, "Beth is an outstanding school administrator in every respect! She has vision, knowledge, organizational skills, and the ability to tackle difficult problems successfully."
Other finalists in the Assistant Principal of the Year competition included Gloria Jones of East Millbrook Middle; Bob Umstead of Knightdale Elementary; and Gretta Dula of Oak Grove Elementary.
In addition to Dr. Burns, finalists for Principal of the Year included Muriel Summers of Combs Elementary; Jeanette Beckwith of Leesville Road Middle; Pam Peters of Fuller Elementary; and Marge Ronco of Lincoln Heights Elementary.
For earning the honor, Dr. Burns will receive $1,000, and Ms. Cochran will receive $500. Each of the principal finalists will also receive an additional $500; and assistant principal finalists, $250.
The finalists were chosen by nomination from Wake County Public School System principals. A selection committee made up of community leaders, school personnel, retired school personnel, and Teacher of the Year Kip Caton chose the winners based on their written portfolios, site visits, and personal interviews.