Building School Spirit, Security Are Among Miller’s Goals At Ev

A year ago, Jeff Miller had two goals for his first year as principal of East Valley High School: improve communications within the building and increase parental involvement.

So Miller set up a weekly schedule, with meetings for administrators and teachers, and started a staff bulletin to keep everyone up to date on new developments.

To solicit more involvement from the community, he sent out a “parent volunteer sheet” inside the school newsletter, asking parents to get involved in a wide array of school activities.

“It was the first time parents were asked if they wanted to be involved,” Miller said, his eyes wide with surprise. “I could keep (asking) the same parents, but it’s nice to get a new batch.”

To increase communications within the community, EVHS began running a column in Spokane Valley newspapers, called Knight Life, to let people know what was happening at the school, outside of sporting events.

But Miller, who stands 6-foot-8 and rarely stops smiling, didn’t force those changes with a wave of his magic wand.

“I use group processes to arrive at a decision,” he said. “I don’t act as an autocratic leader.”

On most major decisions, Miller said, he also seeks student input. He claims advisorship to the student body association as one of his responsibilities.

“School spirit is the No. 1 thing that sets your building climate,” Miller said.

Miller also points to an improved school security system and an alternative education program as major achievements during his first year. In the fall, security guards will begin patrolling the halls of EVHS, and 30 former dropouts have enrolled in a more personal alternative education program to be housed on campus.

Miller was assistant principal for five years until Don Kartevold retired after 15 years as principal. When Miller got the job, he said he’d had his eye on it for the five years he’d been second in command.

Now that his first year has passed, he looks back with no regrets, only eagerness to improve upon what he’s begun.

“I can’t say that I’ve had a single disappointment,” he said earnestly. “I’m happy with what’s occurred this year.”

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