While the school year is drawing to a close, one man is gearing up for the year ahead. Dino Battaglini will take the reins of Sonoma Valley High School in the fall of 2010 and he says he’s excited about what lays ahead. The Sun sat down with Battaglini this week to ask him a few questions about his upcoming position.
The Sun: So, Tomales High School has just 185 students. It’s obviously a lot smaller than Sonoma Valley High School – what are some of the challenges you’ve faced while in the position?
Battaglini: During my three years at Tomales, the primary challenge was a lack of motivation on the part of the students. It never felt like there were enough people pushing students to challenge themselves. As educators and parents we need to show students the options available to them and give them the tools to make the right choices for themselves.
The Sun: Sounds good. So, what about college? What will you do to make college the goal … or at least an opportunity … or every student at our high school?
Battaglini: Every student has the ability to do great things. If they don’t feel that way, then we need to determine what is standing in their way. At the high school level, we need to make sure that every student is prepped to go into a four-year college, the junior college, the military or a career. We need to open the doors to give every student these opportunities, and when students feel comfortable, they exceed expectations.
The Sun: People want this to be a world-class high school. What are some of the things you’ll do to reach those goals?
Battaglini: Of course, input from stakeholders is important. I like to get into the trenches and find out what the wants and needs are. For instance, what areas are lacking, what’s making people uncomfortable? The goal is to get our kids prepped for the future, whatever that is; we need to support them in every way possible.
The Sun: Regardless, every year there is an exodus of students between the eighth grade and freshman year of high school with many parents opting to send their children outside of the Valley for high school. What do you think will draw parents and students back to Sonoma Valley High School?
Battaglini: I like the “It takes a village” approach. We all have roles to play to better our students, our community, our society. My personal open-door policy strives to invite the public in and give comments. When collective expectations are raised, you get a high school that has that “world-class” feeling.” I’m a “yes” kind of guy. I like to try new programs, even if there’s no funding. I figure we can find a way to give something good a try. I’m also not afraid to ask for help along the way.
The Sun: Reading the paper, it seems there are quite a few of incidents involving drugs and gangs at the high school. Can you comment?
Battaglini: When students are here, they respect the rules of the house. No sagging, no gang colors, no posturing – simple as that. I don’t ask that they change what they do outside of school but here, the rules are in place for a reason.
The Sun: What can be done about students who seem to fall through the cracks, no matter what is done to pull them back?
Battaglini: With a background in counseling and with “at-risk” students, my philosophy is that if student’s behavior is affecting others around him, then something needs to change. Realistically, what we can offer is love and support and intervention, but in the end, it is up to that student to make smart choices. I try to point out to students that many decisions affect the rest of their lives. Then they can take the opportunity to listen to and follow some of our words. It doesn’t work on all the kids but with time and caring, it works on quite a few.
The Sun: Anything else?
Battaglini: It’s important to keep kids from getting lost along their way through high school. I have an open-door policy and people should feel free to communicate with me. You can always call or e-mail me. If I’m in the office and not busy, I’ll pick up the phone. This is the perfect sized high school to have the opportunity to get to know everyone and to still have an impact. I look forward to it.
