For the 2019-20 school year, we constructed a Q&A with our new Assistant Principals of the Clearfield Area Junior-Senior High School, Mr. Scaife and Mr. Brickley.

Mr. Scaife:

What are your personal benchmarks for success as an Assistant Principal?

Mr. Scaife: “I believe that any principal is judged by the success of their students, so my personal benchmarks include being a visible, active, and approachable assistant principal for all students.”

How does the role of an Assistant Principal differ from the principal position?

Mr. Scaife: “My role as assistant principal differs from that as Mrs. Prestash’s role as principal in that Mrs. Prestash sets the vision and the direction for the school, and my role is to help carry out her vision and direction.”

How do you feel about all the administrative changes?

Mr. Scaife: “Personally, I am excited about the new energy that our administrative team is bringing to the building. Mrs. Prestash is a wonderful mentor and leader, and Mr. Brickley has been a great peer and I am proud to be working with these two experienced people.”

What made you take the Assistant Principal position at the high school?

Mr. Scaife: “I accepted the position because of the ability the position affords to be able to see and make an impact with all students in our school.”

How do you hope to improve our school?

Mr. Scaife: “I want to be a visible leader and I want to help make our school a place where every student and every teacher can show up each day excited to be at CAJSHS.”

What in your educational background has prepared you to be an Assistant Principal?

Mr. Scaife: “I have had a number of experiences that have prepared me for this position. I have earned my BS in Secondary Social Studies Education from LHU, my Masters in Educational Leadership with Principal’s Certification from Point Park University.”

What else would you like us to know about you?

Mr. Scaife: “I would like our students to know that I want them to be able to come talk with me if they need to do so.”

Mr. Brickley:

What are your personal benchmarks for success as an Assistant Principal?

Mr. Brickley: “My goals are to develop routines, procedures, and consistencies that help improve the daily operations of students and staff.”

How does the role as an Assistant Principal differ from the principal position?

Mr. Brickley: “In my experiences, the assistant principal works towards the vision set by the principal. Assistants support the principal daily and work towards common goals. Also, the assistant principals tend to deal with student discipline more so than the principal.”

How do you feel about all the administrative changes?

Mr. Brickley: “I feel the changes are good and am confident in everyone in their roles. I know I’m excited and proud to be here.”

What made you take the Assistant Principal position at the high school?

Mr. Brickley: “I couldn’t wait to get back to “older” students. I enjoy working with the trials and tribulations of teenagers.”

How do you hope to improve our school?

Mr. Brickley: “My personal goals for improvement are to develop the STEM program and see what clubs and activities we can develop as the year progresses. I’d also like to start working with guidance in developing career and college pathways.”

What in your educational background has prepared you to be an Assistant Principal?

Mr. Brickley: “My formal education was a while back so I’d like to think my experiences on the job and some current professional development opportunities are what help me the most now. This is my eleventh year as an assistant principal for the CASD.” (Mr. Brickley was previously an assistant principal at Clearfield Elementary School.)

What else would you like us to know about you?

Mr. Brickley: “I started as a technology education teacher in a different district before coming to CASD in 2009.”