![Benjamin Williams and Reese Sherman, social studies teachers, explain department information a guest. "This [open house] was, for me, a great opportunity to meet family in the district that will soon be attending the high school," Williams said.](https://www.utimesonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSC_9117-1200x800.jpg)
“‘Those U. City kids.’ That’s what I want to get rid of,” said Ms. Burgdorf, interim principal who has worked at U. City for ten years.
Ms. Burgdorf plans on having much more student participation and has created the Principal’s Advisory Council as a venue to reach this objective. This panel, which has already met, discusses many issues affecting students, such as accreditation and classes.
“She really listened to all of us,” senior Leah Booker said after leaving the first meeting.
“I know what I want to change, and I want to know what the students want,” said Ms. Burgdorf.
Challenges abound for our new administrative team and for the all the student population, but there are new ideas and changes already taking place. Only 60 percent of freshmen are currently reading at their grade level so U. City teachers have had extensive meetings about this and have already begun focusing more on reading and analysis this year.
Although U. City is fully accredited, the district currently only has 8 points out of 14, with a recent increase from 7 to 8 points. When schools receive very few points, they can be forced to close.
Ms. Burgdorf’s major goals are to increase U. City’s accreditation points and to make our school more enjoyable. “This is the best job I’ve ever had,” she said.
One way U. City can gain more accreditation points is by increasing its attendance rate from 90 percent to 93 percent, which Ms. Burgdorf and our faculty are greatly promoting.
Other changes that will improve U. City, such as making AP courses weighted to increase students’ GPA and adding volunteer work as a high school requirement, are still being discussed. Other issues to be addressed are the possibility of creating an open space outdoors for lunch hour and allowing seniors to attend only a half day of school.
“Students need options. I know high school is not for everyone,” Ms. Burgdorf said.
Stricter rules have also been placed for those who are involved in fights; counselors have had intensive training to help prepare students; seminar and lunch have changed to increase students’ productivity; and the dress code is being strictly reinforced.
“Not doing what I can do for this school is my biggest fear,” said Ms. Burgdorf.
