Baker Proud Spring 2017 - 13

photo by Earl richardson

"I would say to
anybody who wants to
dedicate themselves
to something, you
cannot go wrong
with furthering your
education. Programs
like the ones Baker
offers [give you] more
than an education."

named the 2016 Kansas Secondary Principal of the Year by
the Kansas Association of Secondary School Principals.
"The best thing that can happen is to be recognized
by your peers and colleagues," he said. "That's the most
humbling thing. This award is a direct reflection of our
staff and students, and what they've done collectively as
a team."
Because of his nomination, Hart was able to attend the
Principal's Institute, which is held each year in Washington, D.C. During the trip, Hart was able to connect with
other principals from around the country as well as advocate to legislators about topics educators today are facing.
"The networking and the team building were the most
beneficial to me, just seeing what others are dealing with
as principals," he said. "We had great dialogue."
When the school day is done, the after-school activities have wrapped up, and it's time to head home, Hart is
husband to his wife who is a preschool teacher, and a dad
to three daughters, ages 14, 11, and 3.

"I think my job is easy compared to Lisa's," he said.
"We live on a farm, and I like being outside and around
nature. [When I'm at home] I'm usually working with my
hands in some capacity, either in my yard or my shop. I
like when I don't have to go back into town and can just
be myself at home."
Hart counts himself lucky to have found a job he wants
to continue doing for the rest of his life. He said it's less
about the math, science, and English and more about the
other skills that students should be learning.
"I really love what I do," he said. "I enjoying seeing
those kids every day. I want to interact with them. They
don't think I'm old yet, and I enjoy that dialogue. But it's
not about me. It's not about one person. It's about a team,
and we're all doing it together. People that want to get
into education should do it because they want to make a
difference."

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Baker Proud Spring 2017