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MGSD honors principal

By Melinda Skutnick | Mooresville Tribune

Published: September 9, 2009

Mooresville High Principal Todd Wirt is described as "well respected," "attentive," "committed" and all around "wonderful."

So it's no surprise to his admirers that he's also now the Mooresville Graded School District's "Administrator of the Year,"

"I'm certainly honored," said Wirt, who officially received the honor at the MGSD's opening convocation ceremonies recently.

Calling the honor a staff award, he said it's "a reflection of how hard the people in the (high school) building have worked over the last year and a half."

Since arriving in Mooresville in the fall of 2007, Wirt has helped MHS usher in the district's digital conversion project. He has also created a more welcoming environment at the high school for students through his Capturing Kids' Hearts program, which aims to foster and strengthen the relationship between teachers and students.

Supt. Mark Edwards called Wirt a "significant leader in the digital conversion," saying the principal has "shown great skill and ability in MHS being a leader in the state related to technology."

"Todd Wirt is one of the finest principals that I have ever worked with," Edwards said, noting he's worked with hundreds of principals throughout his career.

"He's demonstrated a daily pervasive caring for students. He has worked extremely well in building the capacity of the staff and also being attentive to faculty morale."

The superintendent added, "He's set a tone in terms of expectations for faculty to be committed to every student and he models it in what he does."

As administrator of the year – which was voted on by Wirt's peers during the 2008-09 school year, his first full year as principal of MHS – Wirt will represent the MGSD later this school year as North Carolina names its state-level school administrator of the year.

"He's an outstanding asset to the high school and the district," said Edwards. "He would certainly have my vote, although I profess bias."

MHS English teacher Nancy Gardner said Wirt has earned the respect of faculty, staff and students "because he truly cares about the success of the students."

"He totally removes his own ego from any programs or successes that we might have, but always lends support and encouragement to make things happen for our primary stakeholders, the students."

Noting that the principal's door is always open and his ears ready to listen, Gardner said several characteristics – such as his ability to be firm or flexible when necessary, his always-open door, his ready-to-listen ears – makes Wirt worthy of the title.

"He has a sense of humor and a willingness to share his feelings with us; therefore, all of us are motivated to do a better job."

MHS technology facilitator Alison Schleede said all of the changes and implementations made by Wirt, or during his leadership, have created a better high school.

"I've just worked for a lot of different administrators, and he is just awesome," Schleede said. "He's very in touch with the kids and the staff. We have a ton of teachers here who I think would say wonderful things about him."