After decades of dedicated service, Melanie Katz is preparing to retire as the Principal of Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School. Her wisdom and leadership skills have shaped our school’s culture, supported countless staff and students, and left a lasting impact on our community. As she approaches retirement, we had an opportunity to sit down and reflect on her journey. In this interview, she shares her insights, experiences, and wishes for the future of this school.
1. How has the role of being a principal changed since you started?
“I am finishing my 10th year as principal, and when I started, it was very different. It was pre-pandemic, and most of the work was regarding equity and providing resources to students in need. Many changes have happened: we have more programs, our school has more career emphasis, and students have many more opportunities. The pandemic changed everything around; there were different expectations, and it was more personal between students and teachers. But after the pandemic, everyone blossomed, using new technology and the ability to communicate differently. Understanding the different needs of students and parents has been the most significant change.”
2. What leadership qualities are essential for a principal to succeed?
“The most important quality for a principal to succeed is to take a learner’s stance; being a learner, as a leader, isn’t what most people think. People believe that when you are a leader, you are already there, but even as a leader, new things come in our path. Being open to learning and improving, and not believing you are the most intelligent person in the room, is essential. If you lack a particular skill, there should always be someone in the room to complete it. It is necessary to listen, be able to laugh, go back and reflect, and not just say, I made a mistake.”
3. What do you hope your legacy in this school will be?
“When I first walked into this school, I noticed that the students were terrific and very family oriented. They knew that respecting each other was important long before I came along. I hope that we continue serving everyone who walks into the school, whether they are learning English, have unique talents, or passions about topics or issues.
4. What is your favorite quote or motto that guided you throughout your career?
“Douglas Adams said, “I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.” When I graduated from high school, I never thought I would become a teacher; I thought I would be a lawyer. And when I graduated from college, I never thought I would major in math and pursue finance. Then, I went into higher education and became a teacher. My path and choices helped me end up here. Even working at a sleepaway camp as an adult over the summer and seeing how you move a large group of students and children and handle everything when it goes wrong, helped me. I advise everyone to explore different options. If you like a class, take it even if it doesn’t relate to your major. You never know where you will be in 5 years, 10 years, or even 20 years.”
5. If you could give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
“I would advise myself to ensure people understand why I do what I do. Sometimes, I make a decision and do not explain what’s behind it carefully. In other scenarios, a decision has to be made in an emergency, and you may not have time. While making decisions, I would listen and advise the right people to help me make that decision.”
6. What advice would you give to the next principal?
“You must continue to understand that every student and adult can learn. To do that, you must do it in the context of a family, helping them know they are safe and that being a principal is more than just academics. It takes great care to ensure people are safe and smiling. We have staff who speak many of the languages here at FDR, so they can contact parents directly.”
7. What is one thing about this school that you hope will never change?
“I hope we can always be a family that cares for each other and is always kind. That’s what I met when I came to FDR, and that’s what I’ve seen for 10 years. I can’t see that changing, and I hope it never does.”
8. Are there any parting words for the Cougar nation?
“Thank you. I could have never expected the joy of the last 10 years. What I have experienced with people helping and being kind to each other is incredible. I ask that many of us acknowledge that we are here because somebody has helped us. Our job is to repair the world and continue to help others. That’s the message I would like to leave with everyone. ”
Principal Katz’s legacy at FDR will continue to inspire students and staff, as she prepares to retire. While she may be leaving her position, the impact of her leadership and dedication will remain a vital part of the school’s story. We wish her the best!