Many are wondering who the new vice principal is and why we even need two. Cheryl Modlin, also known as Dr. Modlin, is one of the new faces in the office this 2014-15 school year.

Modlin is originally from Northern Virginia. She has also lived in Columbia, South Carolina and now Iowa. Modlin is married with a six-year-old son named Chase. In her free time, she enjoys watching Chase’s hockey games, going to concerts, and going out to eat.

Modlin received both her bachelors and masters degree from the University of South Carolina, and her doctorate from Walden University. She received her undergraduate in hotel, restaurant, and tourism industry. Modlin then mastered in health education and received her doctorate in administrative leadership for teaching and learning.

Before coming to North High, Modlin worked at Callanan Middle School for three years, East High School for one year, Heartland AEA, and an administrator and teacher in South Carolina. She has been working in schools for over nineteen years.

Modlin says, “The schools in Iowa emphasize and have more focus. Iowa schools make it a high priority to make sure our kids have all the skills they need for whatever they want to do after high school.”

Modlin was hired at North after having a conversation with Mr. Vukovich about applying for a second vice principal opening.

“The competition was tough but I am thrilled to be invited to be apart of the North team.”

The Des Moines Public School District was comparing high schools with one vice principal and other high schools that had two. They believe with two vice principals, more work will get done and in a more efficient manner.

“We have a lot on our plate. For example, professional development, instructional leadership, working with students, working with safety and security, assessment, implementing new grading practices, working with data teams, evaluations of teachers and the list goes on,” Modlin says as she begins to describe her job.

Modlin hopes to provide teachers and students the resources they need to help achieve their goals.

“I hope to honor the proud past. Also, I want to use my ability to build relationships with teachers and students to help them grow.”

Modlin thinks North High School is on a positive trajectory. She hopes to see new technology and the student achievement score continue to be on the rise.

Dr. Modlin would also like to invite students and staff members into her office or to stop her in the hallway to introduce themselves since this is her first year at North.