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GC welcomes principal<br>for second straight year

GC VILLAGE — After four years in places like Prescott, Flagstaff and way up north in Everett, Wash., Richard Dodson has returned to Grand Canyon School.

Richard Dodson began his second tour of duty at Grand Canyon School on July 9.

The former band teacher who instructed local students for 12 years began his new stint as K-12 principal last week. Dodson replaces Ray Vernon, who was promoted to superintendent.

"It was tough to leave," Dodson said about his departure after the 1996-97 school year. "I got my doctorate in administration and the chance to grow in that was limited here. I left to get the experience."

Dodson, 45, was a popular teacher at Grand Canyon during his 1985-97 tenure. Besides handling the K-12 music program and school band, Dodson had his hand in several other facets of life as an educator. He served as adviser for the school newspaper, taught high school psychology and cinematography, coached varsity boys basketball, varsity girls basketball, middle-school basketball and was the athletic director for seven years.

Students obviously thought a lot of Dodson as a teacher. In fact, the Class of 2001 asked him to be their graduation speaker, an honor that Dodson said "floored" him.

"About half of the current staff was here when I left," Dodson said. "That’s an added convenience, to be familiar with the surroundings."

Dodson said he was looking for an opportunity to return to Grand Canyon. He found out about the job opening through former colleagues and on the Internet. He had been working as a band and journalism teacher in the Flagstaff Unified School District.

Although this will be his first job as a principal, Dodson did get some of that administrative experience he had been seeking. He served as a charter school director in Prescott and was vice principal of a school at Everett, Wash.

With all of his past involvement with extracurricular activities, Dodson believes students deserve a well-rounded education. But before going out for the soccer team or acting in the school play, students will be expected to perform in the classroom.

"Obviously, I think academics come first," Dodson said. "I want to make sure parents are welcome in classrooms at all times. Parent involvement is a key to a successful school."

Dodson said the Grand Canyon community has always been committed to school involvement, which he added is "an idyllic situation for academics and extracurriculars."

"I hope that continues here," he said. "I want to make sure academics will come first. I’ve always believed that when students graduate, they should be well-rounded and able to succeed in as many things as possible.

"Grand Canyon appears to be on the rise in terms of its curriculum. The vocational program will make new strides in the newly-created district approved by voters last fall. There’s also been advances in the computer lab and the district has partnered with Coconino Community College for more opportunities and alternatives for students. Dodson plans to add even more activities, such as the re-establishment of a school newspaper.

Among Dodson’s other goals are keeping the campus safe and maintaining a good staff. Turnover in recent years has been somewhat higher than what he remembered from the past.

"Teacher retention will be a major goal," he said. "I think that’s part of the responsibility of a teacher and the staff."

Dodson’s first day on the job was July 9. He worked with Vernon all week to settle into his new position and briefly addressed the school board on Tuesday evening of last week.


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