"The most important contribution educators can make to the well-being of children is to give them hope," says Bill Jones, principal of White City Elementary School in White City. "Over three-quarters of our student body lives below the poverty level," says Mr. Jones, who has strived both as principal and as a member of the community to restore the "dreams" to his community. Mr. Jones has been instrumental in the creation of the Rogue Family Center, a multi-agency facility that provides health and human services to serve the extended school community. Mr. Jones has also helped establish a Leadership Team that has developed into a model example of shared decision-making. In 1993, the Leadership Team, which consists of parents, staff and faculty, was invited to present at the National Association of Elementary School Principals Annual Convention.
It was a wonderful honor being recognized by the Milken Family Foundation. It gave me an opportunity to reflect on how many people provide you the opportunities that gain you this kind of recogition. What I was most impressed with was the recognition was not saved for the 30 year veteran but available for any educator who was making a significant contribution to childern.
