LEYDEN — One of two finalists for principal of Pearl Rhodes Elementary School, Deanna Leblanc says that should she become principal, she would focus on making the curriculum accommodate the needs of every student.
Leblanc, currently assistant principal of all three Southern Berkshire Regional Schools, would replace Pearl Rhodes Principal Christine Maguire, who accepted a position as special education administrator and will remain in the Pioneer Valley Regional School District.
Should she be hired, Leblanc, 34, of Agawam, would start as principal July 1. She was attracted to the position because of the school’s small size and rural, peaceful setting.
The setting, she says, is conducive to children’s learning and development as there isn’t a lot of outside noise or distractions, and the kids have plenty of open space to run and play. The structure of the 30-student school also lends itself to a community atmosphere, she said.
“I really appreciate the small, rural schools and getting to know every student,” she said, adding that her current district also values small schools. “There’s something to be said for knowing each student’s name.”
“I enjoy being connected with students,” Leblanc continued. “I can’t imagine a career where I wasn’t working with kids.”
In fact, Leblanc first decided that she wanted to work in education when she, then living in Kresgeville, Pa., was a 15-year-old student in her high school band.
“I got the position of drum major and I really enjoyed teaching other, younger students,” she said.
Leblanc then earned her bachelor’s degree in music education at the University of Rhode Island, her master’s degree in education at Cambridge College and her certificate of advanced graduate study at American International College.
She started her career at Parklawn Elementary School in Virginia as the general music teacher and chorus director. Leblanc also taught as a substitute in Rhode Island, taught eighth-grade science at Henry Lord Community School in Fall River and worked as the band and chorus director at Agawam Junior High School.
Leblanc decided to transition into administration because she felt it was her best chance of helping the children who need the most attention and support, and has been assistant principal of the three Southern Berkshire Regional Schools for two years.
She also hopes to build up positive behaviors as part of the school’s culture, and create opportunities for the students to connect with students from other local elementary schools, who will eventually be their high school peers.
“We should also make sure there’s commonalities that everyone across the board is working on,” Leblanc said. “We all grow more when we get together.”
Leblanc and Lisa Mandaglio are the two finalists for Pearl Rhodes’ principal. According to Superintendent Ruth Miller, the new principal should be decided by Wednesday.