For the 2014-2015 school year, Hamburg Area High School students and faculty will be adjusting to the newly adopted principle of co-principality. Former vice-principal of HAHS, Mr. Andrew Netznik, will begoverning half of the student body, that is, the freshman and sophomore classes. The presiding, affable HAHS principal, Mr. Christopher Spohn, will continue to oversee and guide the junior and senior classes, no longer burdened by the idiosyncrasies of the unaccustomed underclassmen. Both of the co-principals are now able to channel their focus more directly and perhaps more efficiently. Co-principality, nonetheless, is not necessarily the ultimate solution for difficulties, nor is it suitable for all schools.
The uncommon concept of co-principals originated from a proposal from superintendent, Mr. Steven Keifer, to reorganize the administration in the school district. Both Mr. Spohn and Mr. Netnik have prior experience as high school principals and the qualifications. Because the idea of co-principals is so unique, it is unsure as to whether the system will remain in place for the long or the short term. If one of the current principals were to relocate, the circumstances would be determined upon the experience of the replacement.
Mr. Spohn weighs in on how being a co-principal is in comparison to being the exclusive principal. “From the perspective of having been ‘the principal,’ it is convenient in the sense that it frees up a lot more time. This free time allows me to focus more on the students rather than on discipline across the entire student body”.
Mr. Netznik also adds that his job will be easier because, “There is a shared sense of responsibility, and it is nice to have an equal counterpart. Personally, I think that the change will help increase the efficiency of the administration. The biggest challenge for us will be maintaining communication.”
Regardless of the advantages and drawbacks of co-principality, Mr. Spohn and Mr. Netznik will handle conflict and achievement together.
