Where many would see only challenges, Jason Steingraber, principal of Bowerman Elementary School, sees opportunities.
Nearly 90 percent of Bowerman students receive free or reduced-price lunches, and meeting students' basic needs is of daily importance. Steingraber's key to meeting those needs is his leadership style, which relies on organizational buy-in to make changes in the school culture.
"I have seen teachers feeling comfortable taking their own leadership roles, and our building has benefited greatly from tapping into their expertise," he says.
Since Steingraber took the helm in 2007, Bowerman has adopted a number of programs, including the Ozarks Food Harvest Backpack program, which sends food home with 48 students to feed them through the weekend; Girls on the Run, an after-school program that promotes physical, emotional and mental health among girls; the Positive Behavior Support program, which constantly reminds students to show their STARS - an acronym for self-control, teamwork, attitude, respect and safety; and the Cut the Tie reading program, in which students who read 25 books get to cut off a piece of the principal's tie. Last year Bowerman students read 7,425 books; this year they're on their way to reading nearly 10,000.
Steingraber and his staff also work to give Bowerman students the math skills they need to succeed.
"We quarterly host math nights (to) which parents can come with their children to learn how to work on math at home," he says.
Steingraber also has encouraged his teachers to excel.
"I challenge my teachers to continue their personal learning, which has resulted in some of them going back to school for advanced degrees, as well as applying for leadership positions in the Springfield Public Schools," Steingraber says.
But Steingraber says his proudest professional accomplishment is threefold. Over the course of a year, Bowerman raised its communication arts test scores by more than 35 percent; it decreased its discipline referral rate by 50 percent; and it has increased its enrollment - adding a new kindergarten class - while raising the attendance rate to 95 percent.
Steingraber's efforts at Bowerman Elementary have gained kudos in the community. The Woodland Heights Neighborhood Association recognized Bowerman Elementary as its Volunteer of the Year, and Urban Neighborhoods Alliance honored the school for its positive influence in changing its community.
"Our focus on empowering the Bowerman community to become successful is our main goal," Steingraber says.[[In-content Ad]]
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