Roosevelt reflects on the legacy of Principal Dave Chilson
Roosevelt principal Dave Chilson and Horace Mann principal Peter Stewart are both retiring.
We caught up with Chilson recently as he works to smooth the transition for the students and staff who have come to depend on him.
Dave Chilson started a recent morning off talking with fifth graders about what's working and what could be improved when it comes to student behavior.
'I like to think that they follow my lead a little bit. We laugh, we have fun, we love each other, and we create a nice place for kids to be,' said Chilson.
Chilson has been the principal at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary for 23 years, after spending several years teaching 5th grade in Johnson City and one year as a principal in Apalachin. He was recruited to come to the Northside of Binghamton, which has the highest poverty rate in the area.
'I like the challenge, and I knew that the Northside of Binghamton would present some challenges. I'm all about challenges,' said Chilson.
So, Chilson helped to foster relationships with outside groups such as the United Way's Healthy Lifestyles Coalition and Cornell Cooperative Extension. But he says the main strategy has been to get to know each child individually.
'I want to have a school that challenges kids and gives kids what they need, both socially, emotionally, and academically. And I want it to be a place where kids want to go every day,' said Chilson. 'I want it to be a place where they're safe, they feel safe, and they want to come back to visit after they leave here.' Chilson continued, 'It's that they know that they're loved here, that we have fun, that we smile and we hug and we high-five.'
During a recent facilities and enrollment study, Roosevelt was one of several elementaries schools considered for closing. Instead, the district decided to give the school a major renovation, which will require a temporary closure beginning the year after next. That prompted Chilson to decide that the time to retire was right.
'I felt like the next Roosevelt principal should have one year in this building to feel what it's like and feel the culture so that they can try to recreate that when the new building is built,' said Chilson.
Chilson made the announcement to the students over the PA system back in March. That has sparked a lot of sadness and anxiety among the children and the teachers.
The school's social worker Katelyn Felter created a children's book to help explain the transition.
Chilson has been reading it to each individual classroom. It's been very emotional for everyone involved.
'Not many principals stay in the same building for 23 years. I'm very fortunate and blessed to have had the opportunity to do that,' said Chilson.
Chilson has seen a lot of change over his time at Roosevelt, like the transition from chalkboards and textbooks to Chromebook laptops. And he's seen one generation turn over to the next.
'When we had our kindergarten welcome meeting this year with parents, I can't tell you how many parents in the room I was their principal too,' said Chilson.
Chilson says he's proud of the work he has done, the caring staff that he's hired and the students that he's nurtured to become the best they could be.
Chilson says he plans to spend more time with his grandchildren, doing lawn work and golfing. He also plans to serve as a substitute principal for Binghamton schools.
You can watch the profile we did on Peter Stewart by clicking here.
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