Sturm A Natural For Central Valley Job

Paul Sturm may be new as principal, but his history at Central Valley High School stretches back 15 years. That could be what earned him his job when Larry Parsons moved on.

Sturm began as a chemistry, biology and math teacher, then became assistant principal four years ago.

When former principal Parsons accepted an administrative position in Spokane School District 81 last summer, Sturm became interim principal, on a one-year basis. At the time, CV was three years into the development of a school-to-work transitional program that would become the mission of the school.

Sturm was an integral part of the team.

“Quite frankly, that’s why I think I’m here,” Sturm said. “I was a part of the beginning of our school to work (program). The staff didn’t want to start over with someone else.”

The focus on school-to-work transitions means more integrated classes and an emphasis on technology. Last year, two conferences on school-to-work programs were held at CV with educators from all over the Northwest.

Teachers and administrators put together combined classes such as language arts taught with social studies and math with physics and technology. Teachers team-teach the classes and spend their free time together to better meet student needs.

“It’s more of a philosophy of practical learning situations for kids,” Sturm said. “With kids, you can’t just do one size fits all.”

In the fall, a program for sophomores will begin with two teams of three teachers each, in language arts, science and life skills.

“It’s kind of a way to identify kids who might have trouble transitioning from middle school to high school,” Sturm said. “It’ll be the same curriculum, just presented in a different way.”

Sturm also has moved CVHS a step closer to site-based management by setting up a team of faculty to handle more management decisions. This past year, CVHS’s budget almost doubled because the school, instead of central administration, was responsible for more decisions.

Sturm, a thoughtful man with a wide smile, is reflective of his first year as principal. It was exhausting, he said, but rewarding. The only drawback is being set too far apart from students, who he enjoys getting to know.

“There’s no way you can be prepared for what it feels like. There are so many pots you have to keep your fingers in,” he said. “It was a good year, but I was tired at the end of it.”

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