Melinda Clark

Principal of David H. Ponitz Career Technology Center

October is National Principals Month! This is a great time to thank our principals for all of their hard work to keep our schools running smoothly and to help our students achieve. We will be introducing you to several of our new principals each week. Our first principal is Melinda Clark of David H. Ponitz Career Technology Center.

Tell us about your background! Have you been a principal before? Where? 

I am humbled this year to be the Principal at David H. Ponitz Career Technology Center. This is my first year as a principal. In the past, I have been an assistant principal at both Stivers School for the Arts and Meadowdale High School. Additionally, I was a math teacher and an instructional coach as well. I taught math at the middle school and high school level in Dayton and in Denver, Colorado; as well as many other locations.

What do you love about being a principal?

As a principal, I love seeing students be successful and grow through their experiences in school. As well, I enjoy seeing teachers and staff grow in their ability to teach students. When we are all working toward the same goal, it is a powerful experience.

What is your vision or goal for your school?

My vision for my school is to ensure all students are prepared, when they graduate, for any opportunity that may arise. I want all of our students to have the experiences they need to be successful at any University/College and/or be successful in the workplace. Students who graduate from David H. Ponitz have the academic and career experience to enter post-secondary education, lead companies and organizations, and/or work in a career field where they have extensive experience.

What motivates you?

I am motivated by the desire to do better for students and the community every day. To me this means to ensure all students have the opportunity for the highest quality education available, are treated with respect and challenged to excel. I believe this occurs by challenging teachers, giving them the necessary tools to set higher expectations for student learning and achievement, while supporting teachers and students to ensure success. 

What is an interesting fact about you not everyone knows?

Not many people know that I am an avid outdoor person and athlete. I enjoy camping, hiking, snowboarding and most of all soccer. I have been an active participant in the game of soccer in many ways since I was a small child. A degree of this continues today, although I don’t get to play much anymore. I still enjoy all of these things to this day.

Thank you for all you do, Principal Clark, and Happy National Principals Month!