When new Wiscasset High School Principal Matt Carlson took over for long-time Principal Susan Poppish earlier this year, he knew he’d have big shoes to fill.
Poppish, who retired in June after 11 years as principal, was popular for everything from her hard work ethic and hands-on approach with students, to the cakes she used to bake and bring to school to share with her co-workers.
“She was wonderful,” Carlson said. “One of the hardest workers I’ve ever met. She was able to articulate a vision for the school, and I was very fortunate to have her as mentor for five years.
Carlson, who lives in Newcastle with his wife and three children, joined Wiscasset High School six years ago as assistant principal and athletic director. That job is now held by the school’s former French and Spanish teacher, Deb Taylor, who lives in Wiscasset, is a Wiscasset High School graduate, and has a son enrolled at Wiscasset Middle School.
Taylor brings a unique set of skills to the job, including a bachelor’s degree in social work, a master’s degree in teaching French, a certification as a personal trainer, a long history of competitive running, swimming and cycling, and even a law degree to boot.
Carlson also holds a bachelor’s degree in social work, as well as a master’s degree in Educational Leadership.
Six weeks into the new school year, Carlson and Taylor seem to have come into their own. Not only do they have great rapport with one another, they are clearly passionate about the school that Carlson calls “a hidden gem.”
In addition to trying to restore cuts to the wrestling and lacrosse programs, and laying claim to an undefeated boy’s soccer team, Carlson and Taylor have some significant academic achievements of which to be proud.
This summer, they instituted a new summer reading program, and at the start of the new school year, they unveiled a new sustained silent reading program in which the entire school reads silently for 15 minutes each day. “It’s really changed the culture in the building,” said Carlson. “We started it as an effort to increase reading scores, but we’re amazed by the cultural shift it’s created. For 15 minutes each day, there’s silence. The school is completely unplugged.”
Together, Carlson and Taylor bring a unique approach to their new positions. Because both are trained as social workers, they seem keenly interested in listening, and in learning as much from the students as the students learn from them.
“We’re here to learn as well,” said Carlson. “We don’t have all the answers.” Taylor added, “We can grow just like our kids. The social work background does come in handy. It’s helpful to remember others’ experiences and perspectives. Empathic listening is important. If that’s the best thing I can do each day, that’s what I’ll do.”
Both are also appreciative of working with teens. Carlson said, “The evolution and growth during this time is amazing. They walk in the door one person, and leave another four years later. During that time, they grow into young men and women and learn to make decisions and reach their goals.”
Taylor said, “They begin to have conversations and become adults who can express their opinions. They are trying to figure out who they are as young adults and we can allow them to navigate that transition within boundaries.”
Carlson and Taylor are also committed to ensuring all students have the opportunity to succeed. “I think this school is tremendous advocate for kids at risk of drop-out,” Taylor said. “We work closely with those kids to create an educational program that works for them. They meet with teachers, counselors and social workers. We are constantly monitoring school progress, grades and attendance; I think there are more alternative opportunities here than at any school in the state.”
Carlson said, “Our goal is 100 percent completion and that every student leaves with a post-secondary plan. We offer an early college option. For some students it’s not that they don’t like school, but they just need that flexibility that an early college option offers. A fifth year is accepted here as well. It’s a good option for a lot of students. We do what’s right for the kid. They can access adult education – whatever they need.”
Both were also relieved that the school union (RSU 12) now has an approved operating budget. “It’s wonderful,” Taylor said. “It allows us to focus on curriculum and on unifying.” Carlson added, “This budget passed by an overwhelming majority, and the focus can now be on teaching and learning.”
Regarding another controversial issue, the possible renaming of the school’s team name and mascot (The Redskins), Carlson said that would be addressed at the next RSU meeting, but the union had been approached by tribal representatives asking for dialogue about the issue. Carlson said a small group of staff and students would visit Pleasant Point in November to hear tribal members’ perspectives on this issue.
Most of all, it’s clear these two new administrators feel tremendous pride for their school. “This school puts kids first,” Taylor said. “We’re very proud of this. There are so many good things going on here; we just to need to be aware of and honor those strengths.”
We have a great building, Carlson said. “The students and teachers are fabulous. We have a great student body – like one big family.”
While Carlson said he has not followed in Poppish’s cake-baking footsteps, he does consider himself a baker, and did recently bring in an apple crisp for his fellow staff members.
He has high praise for the staff, and said, “You’re a good leader if you surround yourself with good people.”
Carlson also praised his wife, whom he credits with making his new job possible. “I have a wonderful wife,” he said. “She’s very understanding. You can’t do this job without supportive people at home.”
