Interview 1

Educational Leadership Interview

Mapping Excellence

Mindy J. Baas
M.Ed. 264
Indiana Wesleyan University
EDU 557
April 29, 2006

Interview 2

Educational Leadership Interview

Mapping Excellence
Introduction
Mr. Leighton Turner, current principal of Franklin Community High School (FCHS)
in Franklin Indiana, was interviewed for this Leadership Interview Report. He has been
at FCHS for 29 years as a teacher, guidance counselor, vice-principal and principal.
The interview topics were discussed during an informal visit in his school office. I have
worked closely with Leighton for the past 19 years and felt very comfortable during the
interview process.

What is your goal or vision for teachers and students?

Leightons vision for teachers is to conscientiously pursue the profession that
they chose and the commitment they made to educate youth. His vision for students is
for each one to feel connected, to have a significant relationship with an adult at school.
Leighton said that he would like for all students to do the right things because they dont
want to disappoint someone. He would like for students, teachers and all staff to look
forward to coming to school each day.

What values do you believe are most important to you as a school leader?
The values that Leighton listed as being important to him as a school leader were
honesty, commitment to helping others and good work ethic.

Interview 3

What leadership principle(s) do you believe produces positive results?

Leighton stressed the principal of the Golden Rule: do unto others as you would
have them do unto you. He believes in treating everyone like decent human beings,
with honesty, openness and straight-forwardness.

What do you believe boosts the morale and effectiveness of teachers that results
in more success for all students?
The positive leadership principles noted previously also apply to the morale and
effectiveness of teachers. Teachers need to feel like they are being heard and
supported. It is important for teachers to feel like they have input and that their
contribution is valued.

What do you believe will improve student attitudes, behavior, and learning
success in school characterized by multi-cultural diversity?
Leighton believes that students need to feel like someone at school cares about
them and will not give up on them. He also indicated that school is a place where limits
should be clearly expressed and enforced fairly (which does not always mean
equitability). It is important for each student to have a personal relationship with an
adult at school.

What input do you have into budgeting planning and decision making?
Leightons response to this question was, I dole out a potful of money. He
clarified that by saying he is given a predetermined amount of money for the school but
he is able to determine the distribution of funds.

Interview 4

What is your vision for integrating technology into teaching and learning?
Leighton would like to employ teacher coaches who would teach the teachers
how to do things, to retool in an effort to be more effective in their classrooms. These
coaches (one for every 4-5 teachers) would not be part of the evaluation process, but
would mentor teachers in using technology and up-to-date teaching practices.

What is happening now at FCHS to foster a higher-achieving school?

In the past, many school reforms have come from the top down. The current 5Rs campaign (Relationships, Relevance, Rigor, Resilience, and Responsibility) along
with the corporation belief statements are laying the foundation to facilitate the transition
to a new building and the effort to raise student achievement.

Summary
Completing this leadership interview affirmed my opinion of Leighton Turner as a
great leader. He has created an environment where students, faculty and staff feel
respected and cared about. He is very highly respected in our building, our corporation
and our community. It is because of the example he as set, his leadership, and his
encouragement that I plan to pursue a Principals License.
One question that Leighton asked in almost every new teacher interview in which
I participated was, When it is time to hang up the chalk and erasers, how would you
like to be remembered? This was the last question I posed to him in my interview.
Recent events within our corporation caused this question to be much more poignant
than I had anticipated. Leighton would like to be remembered as someone who was
caring, approachable and who treated people humanely; someone who was willing to

Interview 5

listen and to allow people to have a voice. He wants to be remembered as someone

people enjoyed working with that is exactly how I think of him.