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Students Make Principal Optimistic

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By DEREK MAUL By DEREK MAUL Tribune correspondent

Tribune correspondent

Published: April 23, 2008

PLANT CITY - Principal Beverly Carbaugh is like a breath of fresh air breezing through Tomlin Middle School with a mixture of energy, passion and belief.

"I like to be out and about," she said. "When the kids come in, I'm on the sidewalks, greeting. I don't appear on the school morning show - I like to do it live and in person."

Q: What floats your boat about Tomlin?

A: First off, it's the kids - that's why I come every day - a fresh new opportunity. I'm excited every morning. So much revolves around this place; I really think it's the hub of this community; vital and alive.

Q: How big is Tomlin?

A: We average around 1,500 students and 125 professionals on staff.

Finding space is always a challenge.

Q: How do you rate your staff?

A: They are phenomenal; young and experienced both. Between babies and retirements, I'm always looking for great teachers who are committed to middle school kids.

Q: How connected is this place to the community?

A: This school building has been here since 1953. We've focused to make this a community-friendly school. We do a lot of family night events, after-school programs and Saturday programs. We're open six days a week.

Q: Do you enjoy working here?

A: I love it here. We have a very progressive district, and we're on the cutting edge of best practices. Our teachers are very committed to the best education.

Q: What do kids love best about Tomlin?

A: I have to say The Patio. It's amazing how excited they are to experience The Patio, to hang out and play four square and sit on the benches.

Q: When did you arrive?

A: This is my fourth year here as principal; I really wanted to work in my hometown. Previously I opened Beavis Elementary in 2000. Mince Elementary was my first principal job. Then - way back - I was assistant principal at Walden Lake Elementary. My first job in this county was teaching at Burney Simmons when it was a sixth-grade center.

Q: Did you always want to be a teacher?

A: As a child. I was always teaching but didn't know it. But once I started college, I knew.

Now I teach all day; the principal is the instructional leader. I teach teachers, students and parents. On weekends, I teach future administrators at University of South Florida.

Q: Where were you born and raised?

A: I was born in Charleston, W.Va., in 1953. My dad was a preacher in the Church of the Nazarene. Then we moved to Bluefield, where I graduated high school 1971.

Q: Then what?

A: My first job was as a reporter with the Bluefield Daily Telegraph my freshman year at Bluefield State College. I did the obits, the police report and human-interest stories; it was fun. Somewhere I have a folder with all my bylines.

Q: Are you married?

A: I've been married to Jerry 37 years; we took turns putting each other through school. I didn't get my first degree 'til I was 28. But I believe you can be anything you want to be.

I tell people you're never too old. Have a goal and stick with it and do it - otherwise, I wouldn't be here.

Q: How did you get to Florida?

A: Jerry is retired Air Force. So I have taught in Arizona, Texas, Virginia and Florida. We've been here since he was assigned to MacDill in 1988. We moved to Plant City immediately. It's a perfect fit. Once you come to Plant City, you don't go anywhere else.

Q: Do you have children?

A: Christopher is 30; he married a local girl. Amber is 27. We have one grandchild.

Q: What makes you optimistic?

A: Kids make me optimistic. Their brains are so much bigger and they can imagine so much more than I ever could at their age. Their ideas supersede my wildest imagination. Then I see daily the difference that education makes. I believe education is the key to a brighter future.

Q: What do you do for fun?

A: I maintain a balance and I make a conscious effort - this job could consume me, and I'm that kind of person. Steven Covey author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People says we have to keep our saw sharpened. I ride a 2003 Harley-Davidson; I ride horses about twice a week; then family stuff all the time. What I don't do is cook.

Q: So where do you like to eat?

A: Everywhere in Plant City; I'm good for the local economy. Fred's barbecue; the Market. If I don't have to prepare it, it's good food.

Q: What are you reading?

A: "The Art and Science of Teaching," by Robert Marzano. The classroom is a stage - you either hook that audience or you lose that audience.

Teachers are the single most important factor in the school.

Q: How many degrees do you have?

A: My bachelor's from the University of Arizona, my master's in ed leadership from USF; then a doctorate in ed leadership from USF in 1996. Research shows the education level of the mother is the most influential predicting factor in a family.

EDITOR'S NOTE

This occasional series spotlights local school principals. This week's column features Beverly Carbaugh, principal at Tomlin Middle School, 501 N. Woodrow Wilson St., Plant City. The school's telephone number is (813) 757-9400.

Columnist Derek Maul can be reached at derekmaul @gmail.com.

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