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June 2008 > Alumni > Honors
PLI Graduate Earns Top Educator Award
Jerome Gourdine, principal of Oakland’s Frick Middle School and a 2001 Principal Leadership Institute (PLI) graduate, was honored as one of America's 25 "most collaborative" public school principals.
Gourdine received a crystal apple and a $5,000 grant from MetLife, which runs the Ambassador of Education awards. Gourdine says he plans to use the grant for a program that guarantees his students will gain admission to Cal State system.
“He’s a terrific graduate and a great community person,” said PLI coordinator Lynda Tredway. “And a crystal apple for his Crystal support person at home.”
The award recognizes principals for their superior community engagement practices, specifically their ability to:
• Build partnerships with community organizations, parents, and guardians;
• Resolve conflicts and promote safety in the school and the community; or
• Promote civic engagement and community service."Ultimately, it's all about the achievement of my kings and queens, which is what I call my kids," says Gourdine, who has led the school for 2.5 years. "I've always believed that you're either part of the problem or part of the solution, and I choose the latter. But I can't do it alone; the entire Frick community works together as a team.”
Gourdine says that the school’s Academic Performance Index score has risen 200 points in seven years, probably the biggest increase for any California middle school over that period.
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