Steve Ramsey is Westlake High School’s interim principal.[/caption]
There is a new interim principal at Westlake High School, and for many students and staff, it is a familiar face.
After former principal John Carter announced his resignation May 20 to pursue a teaching career in Chicago, Steve Ramsey was quickly placed at the helm of the Eanes ISD high school. Ramsey had previously spent 11 years at WHS as an administrator, teacher and coach for football, soccer and track, before moving to West Ridge Middle School to serve as its principal in 2012.
“There’s a comfort level because I was [at the school before],” Ramsey said. “A lot of the people I worked with are still here, so it’s familiar. It’s a different role and expectations, but the welcome back I’ve received from the staff has been extraordinary.”
Ramsey said he has already worked with some WHS teachers.
“When you know what’s going on in the classroom, the exceptional teachers get praise for all the right reasons—their quality of instruction and their interactions with kids,” Ramsey said. “And [you work with] teachers who aren’t at that level yet to get them there. Being in the classroom builds that culture of trust where teachers know your expectations and that they’re going to be held accountable.”
Ramsey (right) speaks with Eanes ISD students.[/caption]
More than half of the WHS student body attended WRMS while Ramsey was principal. The class of 2017 was his first group of eighth-graders, and this year’s freshmen should have an easier time transitioning to their new campus, Ramsey said.
Ramsey said he developed a stronge community and student culture at WRMS, which improved the school academically and socially. He expects that to carry over to the high school.
“When you’ve [had success] at a campus, you feel confident you can move forward in certain areas,” Ramsey said. “It’s always about how we can improve Westlake High, even if the school’s already good.”
One way Ramsey said he builds relationships with his students is with an open-door policy, inviting students and parents to share their experiences with him so he can help when issues arise.
“That’s why we’re here. We want to know what you’re experiencing so we can help,” he said. “One of the biggest things I learned as a principal is how important it is to support all of your stakeholders. That’s your students, your teachers and your parents. Most of my time is spent building those relationships and forging communication with everybody.”
