Dean named Wayne principal of the year
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on November 8, 2005 1:45 PM
Larry Dean of Greenwood Middle School has been named Wayne County Principal of the Year for 2006.
Dean has a varied background as an educator, serving in Wayne County Public Schools for 20 years.
He came to the school system from Mount Olive College, where he had worked a a health and physical education instructor and coach.
In 1985, he became a physical education teacher at Brogden Middle School, where hecoached baseball, basketball and football. Four years later, he was promoted to serve as an alcohol and drug coordinator at the central office of the school system.
In 1995, Dean moved into an administrative role when he was named assistant principal at Grantham School. A year later, he was promoted to principal of Mount Olive Middle School. He has been Greenwood's principal since 2001.
Dean was recognized during Monday night's school board meeting for having exhibited leadership skills, a passion for education, and a commitment to children in Wayne County.
In making the announcement, board member Shirley Sims cited Dean's leadership role in the middle schools where he recently served, both which experienced growth in student achievement.
"Greenwood Middle School has made 'Expected Growth' for three out of the last four years," she said. "During the 2004-2005 school year, Greenwood Middle School met all 23 of their No Child Left Behind goals. The school also made Adequate Yearly Progress in a year when target goals were raised."
As part of the Wachovia Principal of the Year program, Dean will compete with other winners across the state for the title of state Principal of the year.