McGinley takes district administrator job at Wheatland School

By Jennifer Eisenbart

Staff Writer

In the time Karcher Middle School Principal Marty McGinley has been in the district, he has worked hard to make learning not just about what happens in the classroom.

It’s called “The Karcher Way,” and it’s McGinley’s hope of reaching students beyond just academic studies.

Marty McGinley

“I’m proud that we’ve been able to accomplish a lot of things, involve students in both sides – the academic and the social/emotional side of it,” said McGinley, who announced Tuesday that he would be resigning as Karcher principal effective the end of the school year.

“You can’t have success without one or the other.”

McGinley will hope to bring that success on a larger scale now, as he has been named the next district administrator for the Wheatland School District, which operates the K-8 Wheatland School. McGinley sent a letter out to Karcher parents and guardians last week, explaining the situation.

“Being the principal of Karcher Middle School has been the most personally and professionally fulfilling experience thus far in my career,” McGinley said in the letter. “I am proud of all we have accomplished and I am grateful to the incredibly talented and dedicated professionals I have worked with for the last eight years.”

McGinley said he became aware of the opening at Wheatland several weeks ago, and was approached about applying.

On Tuesday, McGinley said in a telephone interview that becoming a district administrator was the next logical step in his career.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to expand my sphere of influence,” McGinley said. “I’m excited about being the person that’s able to make decisions and affect change at a little bit bigger level.”

The Karcher job has now been posted at the BASD District Office, and BASD Superintendent Peter Smet said he hoped to have a recommendation to the School Board by its April meeting.

Candidates will have until March 15 to apply, and Smet said there would be a multi-step interview process.

McGinley said the challenge for his successor will be bringing people together in what is currently a difficult climate for education.

“To focus on the right things, to focus on student achievement and to put the right things first,” he said would be goals. He also said the staff he is leaving behind is up to the task.

“This is a phenomenal staff. They’re professional. They’re good at their craft and they’re all about kids,” McGinley said.

He also added that Burlington will remain important to him.

“Burlington will hold a very important place in my heart,” he said. “It’s my home right now.”