When Paula Bonds woke up on May 7, she had no idea that by mid-morning she would be the top principal in the state.
She may have caught on when the morning’s assembly had local media lining the walls of the gymnasium, and when the guest of honor for the day mysteriously never showed up.
But whatever inkling she may have had in her gut did not stop her from being blown away by the surprise announcement made by Tacoma’s Superintendent Art Jarvis.
Bonds, principal at Bryant Montessori, was declared principal of the year for Washington, a selection made after she was deemed distinguished principal for Tacoma in December 2007.
She knew she was in the running - she had to fill out 26 pages of paperwork after her December award - but the devoted principal was visibly shocked.
After hearing the news and wiping a few tears off her beaming face, she took the microphone to utter all the words she could at such an expected emotional moment.
“I can’t even talk about this without choking up,” she said. “The power of all this is about you guys - and what is good and right for the children.”
Bonds noted that the school’s unity of purpose, which falls in line with the Montessori philosophy, has been life changing for her as well.
Kelly Evans, principal at Sheridan Elementary, oversaw the selection process when Bonds was first chosen to represent Tacoma.
“Paula was unanimous,” he said. “As a colleague she is an advocate among principals for kids. She has been a very strong leader for principals as well. Paula is a truly dedicated educator to staff, kids and the community.”
Bonds said knowing that her peers and colleagues had selected her “was the most meaningful thing.”
Bonds started at Bryant in 2000 when the school was on the verge of heading in the Montessori direction. Enrollment in the high-crime, high-poverty area was low, teachers and staff were giving up and the picture was not pretty.
Today, enrollment has nearly tripled at Bryant, and the school’s success and reputation as a Montessori is undeniable.
“Paula is a leader here and has made a huge difference at Bryant,” Jarvis said.
In the fall, Bonds will travel to Washington, D.C. (with her aunt Elma and father in tow due to a promise she made years ago) for the opportunity to receive the title of top principal in the nation.
Tacoma is no stranger to the best academic leaders in the state.
Last year, Stadium High School Principal John Kellett received the same honor.
Evans said for a district that can be subject to bad press, having top principals two years in a row illustrates Tacoma’s strengths.
“In spite of some of the struggles we’ve had, it really does say a lot [about Tacoma schools],” he said. “She (Paula) represents a lot of really great principals.”
