Perquimans’ Dianne Meiggs is head of the class and loving it

Dianne Meiggs hangs out with a lot of short people, but the impact she makes in their everyday lives stands tall when it comes to future success.

The principal of Hertford Grammar School (HGS) was recently chosen as the 2009 Principal of the Year for Perquimans County Schools (PCS). The 26-year veteran educator has served as principal at HGS for the past three years.

The portfolio of her accomplishments will advance to the Northeast Regional competition as part of the 2010 Wachovia Principal of the Year competition statewide.

“Mrs. Meiggs is dedicated to the success of all of her students and works diligently to provide them a safe and nurturing atmosphere for learning,” said Dr. Dwayne Stallings, superintendent. “She is proactive in developing and implementing learning styles and strategies that are research-based and effective catalyst for positive change, leading to student success. She is a proponent of change and a worthy candidate for this award. We wish her the best in each stage of the competition.”

Meiggs says she believes HGS is moving in a good, positive direction. The school met both AYP and ABCs this past school year.

“We are a family,” she added, “from staff to students to parents.”

“Our teachers know what the goals are,” she said. “I help develop leaders in each of the teachers. I just guide them. They are the ones who do all of the work teaching the children.”

She focuses on bringing the curriculum to the forefront, takes time to personally spend time with each child and teacher each day, and actually listens and hears what they have to say.

Brenda Lassiter, public information officer for PCS, said Stallings appoints a committee which decides the principal of the year locally. To qualify, the principal must have at least four years experience as a building level administrator in public education, she added.

Each local award winner receives a cash award and regional winners win cash awards for both themselves and their school. The 2010 Wachovia Principal of the Year will receive $3,000 for his or her school and $3,000 for his or her personal use.

Regional winners will be selected by February. The state winner will be announced in April.

The 2010 Wachovia Principal of the Year program is sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company.