Partnership Principal
Rodney Matheney

Listen to Rodney!

    As school started this year, Rodney Matheney returned to where his administrative career began as principal of the 1,305-student body Conway High School-West in Arkansas.

     “ I actually started teaching in another district, but after only one semester I came to Conway as a special ed teacher, and I’ve always said I really started here,” Matheney says. “I also began my administrative career here, working as an administrative assistant and dean of boys.”

     Now, after serving as principal of Darby Junior High School in Fort Smith (AR) for eight years and principal at Pine Bluff (AR) High for two years, Rodney, a former football player at the University of Central Arkansas, returns and brings a commitment of passion and compassion to the 11th and 12th grade comprehensive school.

     “My primary focus this year is building relationships as a school leader,” he says. “Getting to know people—both students and teachers—is essential to leading any school.”

    While the school has a population that is approximately 73 percent Caucasian, 22 percent African-American, four percent Hispanic, one percent Asian, and .5 percent Indian, there is considerable diversity among students’ social status and academic performance. More than 25 percent of the students qualify for free and reduced lunch.

    With this diversity, Matheney is especially proud that Conway students have little or no trouble dealing with each other.

   
   “Our students have a tremendous ability to get along; there is little or no tension among our kids,” he reports. “That makes this school a very special place.”

   He believes the key to that camaraderie is that all students can find something at Conway High West in which they can succeed.

   “We offer a diverse curriculum to meet the diverse needs and abilities of our students. There’s a niche for every kid at the West campus. If one youngster isn’t an academic superstar, he or she can still find a nook that fits and experience success. That makes them all comfortable.”

   In addition to the traditional academic offering, Conway has an extensive career and technical program, which attracts more than one-third of the students. Classes include cosmetology, auto body, construction, family and consumer sciences, drafting, photography, Agri, and a wide array of business courses. The construction program builds a house (which is the product of several programs within the career and technical areas) each year which is sold in the community. While about half of Conway graduates move onto college, the career and technical program provides certification in some areas which aids students in securing their first fulltime job.

   On the academic side, Conway High School West boasts of its success with nine National Merit semi-finalists this year.

   In addition to the diverse curriculum, Conway students can select from a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including numerous sports, music and other student organizations. This also allows each youngster to find his or her niche, according to Matheney.

   The third aspect of a Conway education that serves students well is the teaching staff, comprised of individuals who are dedicated to improvement.

   “I’ve never been in a school this size where teachers have such a strong attitude to ensure that students succeed,” said Matheney. “Our teachers are eager to improve their skills, and their hearts are all in the right place. Their commitment to grow is important as we are dealing with a different generation of students—ones who are very video savvy. We need to offer instruction that meets their learning styles.

   “Most importantly, our teachers understand that these kids are our employers and we have a responsibility to do all we can to help them succeed.”

   Having been principal at Conway High for just nine weeks, Matheney is spending much of his time talking with students, staff and community members to determine the next steps for Conway High. And he’s building relationships.

   “It’s essential for a principal to build relationships with the students and staff,” he said. “It sounds so simple, but it’s so important. I spend much of my time being visible to the kids, saying good morning, and attending as many of their activities as possible.”

   “The same is true with teachers. I want to know their professional abilities so I visit classrooms, but I also want them to understand that I have a personal interest in their well-being. If a teacher has a sick baby or spouse I genuinely inquire about their status to know how he or she is doing. They understand that I’m a compassionate person with a great deal of passion for our students and school.”

   Matheney feels The Principals’ Partnership is helping him to be a better school leader through the availability of research and networking opportunities.

   “There are principals throughout the country with whom I exchange emails twice a week since I’ve met them at the Summer Institute. That network provides a tremendous opportunity for sharing best practices in successful schools.”

   Matheney can be reached at matheneyr@conway.afsc.k12.ar.us, and more information about Conway High School can be found through the district web site, www.conwayschools.afsc.k12.ar.us.

  
Past Focus Principals:

Focus- Catherine Guy
Focus- Bob Rodriguez
Focus- John Brumley
Focus- Nancy York
Focus- Jerrylyn Jones
Focus- Gloria Erkins
Focus- Ron Sing
Focus- Bill Hittman
Focus- Jeanene Sampson
Focus- David Gilligan
Focus - Joy Walton
Focus- William Roberts
Focus- Franklyn Wesley
Focus- Magdalena Gutierrez
Focus- Kent Bergum
Focus- William "Rick" Johnson
Focus- Ken Ball
Focus- Dan Tenuta
Focus- Charlesetta Deason
Focus- Rene Posey
Focus- Stuart Baker
Focus- Paul Smith
Focus- Christie Gestvang
Focus- John A. Butterfield
Focus- Janie Hill Hatton
Focus- Steve Warmack
Focus- Glen Clark
Focus- Kittie D. Weston-Knauer
Focus- William Dunn
Focus - Richard Pemberton
Focus- Dr. Anthony Spivey
Focus - John Weigel