Schools

Meet the New Inman Principal

Former assistant principal Paula Herrema will lead Inman Middle School as interim principal when the school opens its doors for the 2011-2012 school year on Aug. 8.

Paula Herrema isn't really that new.

The 22-year-educator has walked the halls of before but come Aug. 8 the former assistant principal will have new shoes to fill as students get used to calling her Principal Herrema.

“Initially, I’m just so grateful for the staff that’s here. I see it as an incredible opportunity and I feel very honored to be in this postion.”

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Herrema will take over as interim principal after former principal Betsy Bockman was tapped as one of four new area superintendents in early July after eight years at Inman.

For now, it’s “completely unknown” how long Herrema will serve as principal. Her interim status may or may not become permanent but she said she will try and do the best she can with the position she’s been given.

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By focusing on providing a more rigorous learning environment she said she hopes that teachers will start nurturing an environment that fosters learning rather than teaching to a test.

“Our students do extremely well on the CRCT but to me that’s just the minimum of work. Our standards need to be higher.”

During her 22 years as an educator she’s worn many hats.

The Decatur resident has worked at three local elementary schools that feed into Inman Middle and places a strong emphasis on community involvement.

“To me, the key to a successful public school is the community," she said. "It helps me to do a better job with the school.”

Herrema has taught fourth and fifth grade at Lakewood and Mary Lin Elementary for nine years and had various administrative roles which finally brought her to her former position as assistant principal of Inman since November 2009.

When not patrolling the halls and taking calls from anxious parents, Herrema enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading and trying new outdoor activities like parasailing with her 7-year-old son.

The South Africa native also has a travel bug.

“It’s got to be one of the most beautiful places in the world and it’s where I’d like to go back.”

Michael Ashley and Dr. Cha Walker-Rice will work alongside Herrema as assistant principals.


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