This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

New Parkway Central Principal Is Learning About the School

Tim McCarthy, a 15-year Parkway educator, has a deep commitment to public education.

Tim McCarthy, Parkway Central High School's new principal, said he's looking forward to learning more about his new school.

“This is a great opportunity for me and my family,” McCarthy said. “The light in my eye is due in large measure to a feeling of gratefulness at this chance. There is a lot to learn about the nuances of Central High, about the expectations of parents and students, and I’ve begun that process.”

McCarthy is currently in his sixth year as an assistant principal at Parkway West High. He will replace Tim Gannon, who is retiring at the end of the current school year. 

Find out what's happening in Chesterfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Since his selection as Parkway Central's new principal in April, McCarthy has spent time with Gannon as he transitions to the school. “Mr. Gannon has been a wonderful, committed educator for 35 years, and I have the deepest respect for him as an individual,” McCarthy said. 

Recently, teachers and staff at Parkway Central were invited to meet McCarthy as he spent the day in the faculty lounge. The staff had a chance to chat with McCarthy and welcome him to his new school. “The teacher core at Central is a wonderfully talented group of individuals,” McCarthy said. 

Find out what's happening in Chesterfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He will be spending more time at Parkway Central during Parkway’s summer school session, which begins on June 6. “West and Central host joint summer school each year, and this year it’s being held at Central,” he said. “I’ll be there and get the next school year going. I’ll have a chance to meet some students and begin forming relationships.”

While the rivalry between Parkway Central and West high schools can be intense, McCarthy considers it a sibling rivalry. “Many of these students have known each other growing up, attending the same camps, playing sports together. So, they enjoy the competition at school events,” he said. 

“There are differences and similarities in the two schools, but I believe this is complementary for the schools,” McCarthy said. “Public schools are a reflection of the community they serve. It’s not always neat and clean, but in the end, public schools are a wonderful opportunity to explore the differences and ultimately, the similarities. The diversity makes public schools exciting.” 

In addition to a new career challenge, McCarthy and his wife, Sarah, are looking at another big change in their lives. Their daughter Emily will start school this fall in the Parkway District. “I’m excited to experience Parkway with the lens of a parent of a kindergartener,” he said. They also have a 3-year-old daughter named Sophie.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Chesterfield