Next Ann Arbor Skyline principal: District selects Ypsilanti New Tech High leader
New Tech Director Cory McElmeel talks during an assembly to 10th-graders on the first day of class at New Tech high school in Ypsilanti on Sept. 6, 2011. McElmeel recently was named the new principal of Skyline High School in Ann Arbor.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com file photo
Cory McElmeel, principal of Ypsilanti's New Tech high school, was tapped to be the first principal of the newly unified New Tech @ Ardis program, following the merger of Ypsilanti and Willow Run schools in July. However, he will be turning that down and instead, McElmeel will join the Ann Arbor Public Schools as principal of Skyline High School.
"I am humbled and honored to be welcomed as the newest member of the Skyline family," McElmeel said in a statement. "I look forward to meeting and serving the members and stakeholders of our learning community. I will work tirelessly to continue the excellence of our educational program and take student learning and school culture to the next level."
Current Skyline Principal Sulura Jackson resigned in March after seven years in the district. She was hired prior to 2004 to help design the new high school, which opened in 2008, and curriculum — including the mastery learning concept for credit recovery and retaking of tests; the trimester schedule; magnet programs for students to pursue specific interests; and "Skytime," a student development hour.
Jackson will leave Ann Arbor at the end of the month to take a position with Chapel Hill High School in North Carolina.
McElmeel was one of 29 applicants for the Skyline leadership role. He has been at Ypsilanti Public Schools since 2003. He began as a teacher and was named principal of the New Tech @ Ardis program at its inception in the fall of 2010.
In the fall of 2011, Ypsilanti's New Tech high school become a model for others nationwide, when it was awarded the distinction of serving as one of 30 demonstration sites in the U.S. for prospective New Tech programs during the 2011-12 academic year.
"Mr. McElmeel brings a wealth of leadership skills and abilities to his new role at Skyline High School," Ann Arbor schools officials said in an email sent to parents around 8 p.m. Tuesday. "We are confident that his skills are a great match for Skyline's mastery learning program and magnet opportunities."
McElmeel's hire was made known to the Ypsilanti community late Tuesday as well on a Facebook page for supporters of the new Ypsilanti Community Schools district. McElmeel responded to a post about his new position outside of the unified Ypsilanti-Willow Run schools by saying it is "with a heavy heart" that he accepts this next step in his career.
"I love the Ypsilanti community and, more so, our amazing youth," he wrote. "Ypsilanti, your children make me strive to be a better professional and individual. I will continue to work tirelessly through this transition to support the development of our schools, district, and the New Tech program. I am a better teacher and leader because you have allowed me to serve you and that will never be forgotten."
McElmeel was one of six principals from either Ypsilanti or Willow Run to make it through the interview and selection process and be offered a position in the new consolidated district.
Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.
Comments
UMFan92
Thu, Jun 13, 2013 : 2:04 a.m.
As a former teacher who worked for Mr. McElmeel, I can honestly say that Ann Arbor schools have hired a true educator. He worked tirelessly to help students acheive more than they thought possible and to help teachers improve their craft. He was understanding and fair. YCS has lost a lot of great staff in the last year and will miss Mr. McElmeel as much as any of them.
olddog
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 7:37 p.m.
This man has been interviewed and reinterviewed in the recent Ypsilanti community schools merger. He must be good, he has jumped thru many hoops in the last few months.
Larry Eiler
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 5:49 p.m.
A terrific choice. Cory is an accomplished and sharp young educator with a seeming gift of strategy and high interest in kids and their direction.
Macks Pizza
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 5:39 p.m.
So Principal Jackson is gone. TryingToBeObjective why don't you leave it alone.
TryingToBeObjective
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 8:25 p.m.
You apparently don't have a kid at Skyline.
Lou Perry
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 5:03 p.m.
Very good choice.
Wake Up A2
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 4:19 p.m.
Two laid off teachers equals one new principal. ..nice to see the district still loves more administration.
Goober
Thu, Jun 13, 2013 : 1:40 a.m.
The AA BOE believes that education only starts and ends with them. Their actions over the years show this. Teachers, etc. are irrelevant. Thus, until the AA voters wake up, remove all of them replaced with viable BOE members who will drive correct change, we get what we get. Horrible option - eh? I am personally sick as a result of what they are doing, what they have done and what they are about to do. AA voters - wake up! Go figure!
TryingToBeObjective
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 4:02 p.m.
Nowhere to go but up McElmeel. First step: either purge the lazy kid mastery program, or change it so the best grade you can achieve is a C, not a B. make it fair to those who do the work in the first place, and quit rewarding the slackers. You're not doing them any favors with the mastery program, Skyline. Ask any graduate and they will tell you how EASY it is, and how grades at Skyline mean significantly less to colleges. You're doing the kids who apply themselves a disservice. FIX IT.
say it plain
Thu, Jun 13, 2013 : 4:37 p.m.
Yes, @TryingToBeObjective, I have also heard that what happens is the system encourages poorly planned curriculum in many classes, low class morale and participation in some classes, and a frustrating situation for kids who actually care about learning what with all the 'group projects' the trimester-frazzled frustrated-with-AAPS teachers tuck into their courses to make grading easier on themselves. *That* part doesn't serve SKyline students well at all. But the idea that your A student's grades are not to be trusted doesn't make any sense. I agree with @Ricardo Queso...it would be helpful to cite the relevant admissions office, and give a sense of the GPA in question. Sure, a 3.0 might come into question with a policy like Skyline's, I suppose. But even that I think is *easily* remedied not by changing the mastery learning idea, but rather *making homework actually count toward mastery!*. As I understand it, and perhaps unlike the other schools, 'mastery' assignments are typically tests and big (too often group) projects. And the rest of the points are 'process' points and don't count anywhere near as heavily toward grades. Thus, the system *discourages* regular attention to the course material and allows for some kids to never do homework, take a test once to get a feel for how much extra they have to study, then take it again and hopefully achieve a B. If homework and participation wasn't such a tiny part of the grade (perhaps smaller than at other schools? I don't know...), they could encourage participation, involvement, *and* allow kids who need the help of re-taking test to get that help, without harming any of the "high achievers".
Ricardo Queso
Thu, Jun 13, 2013 : 4:04 p.m.
TTBO, I asked for the name of a university, not of a specific student. I think that is relevant. To Quoque.
TryingToBeObjective
Thu, Jun 13, 2013 : 3:20 p.m.
@Ricardo, I certainly would never divulge the names of the students that I know of who experienced this during the college admissions process. This is not a courtroom, it is a public forum, which means I don't "have" to cite an example more specifically. You'd know that if this wasn't your second day on this forum. I see this as a problem that could get bigger. If you choose not to see it, that's your prerogative. Respect my opinion, and I'll respect yours. As to the principals reputation, she's "tarnished" that all by herself. Of the hundreds of parents and staff that I know at Skyline, I do not know a single person who respects her. Everyone is glad to see her go. Some of my kids teachers couldnt wait to transfer out from under her "supervision." Not because of the kids, but because of the principal. If you're in her fan club, it must be lonely. As to the schools reputation, do a little homework and you'll see enrollment numbers have dropped every year. This also concerns me. I have a younger child, and I would like to see Skylines rep improve. If you want to continue to live in a world where there are no school issues, with blinders on, I'd suggest THAT is what negatively impacts the school. Pretending something isn't or won't be a problem doesn't make it go away. Again, respect my OPINION, and I will respect yours. If you truly weren't concerned, you could have bypassed my response. And vox rationis response.
Ricardo Queso
Thu, Jun 13, 2013 : 1:25 p.m.
Your argument would have more substance if backed with even one example of a university disqualifying Skyline grades. Seriously, if you cannot come up with some evidence I question your motives and can only conclude you have a desire to tarnish the reputation of the school and the former principal. Sadly, this reflects negatively on all students including your own.
TryingToBeObjective
Thu, Jun 13, 2013 : 3:20 a.m.
My intent was to draw attention to a problem. In my opinion, the mastery concept is being abused. Certainly there at children who need extra help. Everyone has their strengths, and their challenges. That being said, I am certainly not an "elitist" for being proud of my kid who works hard. I see the mastery program as it is now as a problem. Certainly anyone is entitled to not see it my way. Refusing to acknowledge a problem does not make it go away. I would like to see Skyline improve its reputation. I'd like to see the kids who need help, get it, and the kids who need a kick in the pants to get motivated, find that too. I'm annoyed that a college could see the well publicized mastery concept as a problem. I also think that if you don't expect kids to do work in the first place, some wont. Wouldn't it be great to see a mentoring program in a classroom, where those who get some concept could work with those who don't get it. As peers. Perhaps in another class, the one who received help in the first class, could help someone else where they are more proficient. But that won't ever happen if we all just pretend this mastery thing works perfectly. As @vox rationis stated, some kids may not be prepared for college, because college doesn't give you a pass on homework. This is about those who could do the work, but choose not to. Not about those who need some extra help. I never said anything about all As or AP classes, so please don't attribute your opinion to something I have not referred to. That's your attitude, not mine. Bringing to light a problem does not make one an elitist. I could have just ignored the problem and watch things get worse. That's an elitist- where it's your problem, not mine.
Goober
Thu, Jun 13, 2013 : 1:31 a.m.
Many kids do need help. Remember, we have many kids that lack motivation. Thus, they have to be inspired! Go figure!
TryingToBeObjective
Thu, Jun 13, 2013 : 1:18 a.m.
@Ricardo, other kids not doing their homework intentionally has nothing to do with receiving extra help in the classroom. If suggest if you are so concerned about reading "rumors" you might want to stay off the Internet. Because you know, everything on the Internet must be true. Apparently you haven't had the same experience as I have. That does not make my points invalid. You might actually want to actually read the comment above by another Skyline parent about mastery- @vox rationis. I guess if you want to live in a bubble where this couldn't possibly be true, that's your prerogative. It's also my prerogative to express my opinion. If you don't like it, oh well.
TryingToBeObjective
Thu, Jun 13, 2013 : 1:07 a.m.
Voice, you don't get it. I would hope that any parent would want to know whats out there, the potential for problems. As I've said before, some kids NEED the help. But there are unfortunately many others who abuse the system. Do you feel it's fair to those who need the help that those who CHOOSE NOT to do the work monopolize class time? If every kid who could do the work, did the work, perhaps a teacher would have more time for those who needed the help. The mastery program has been abused. I was not aware until recently that colleges might consider the mastery concept an issue. And as a parent, you bet that concerns me. My kid has Skyline grades on his transcript. But my kid, and many others, do NOT think its fair to not do the work and get the B. if your kid needs the help, that's one thing. And yes, my husbands oldest never applied himself, refused help, and thought he knew best. And now he sees the result of his laziness. A dead end job. Yep, I'm proud of my kid. Every parent ought to be. I'm fortunate that my kid sees the value of hard work. But when he was younger, he had his struggles, which he has worked hard to overcome. The difficulty with putting something in print is the possibility that it is misinterpreted. I'd like to see resources used wisely, and Skylines reputation to improve. I have a younger child to look out for. And dropping enrollment at Skyline up until this year says something. Or it should.
A Voice of Reason
Thu, Jun 13, 2013 : 12:13 a.m.
This is a very strange way of thinking. You will only be happy if your kid gets an A and other get a C vs. a B because they were able to take the test twice? So, you want to win and others to loose by a lot! Nice way to raise your children. I hope that your A kid has never had a tutor, not taken ADD medication, or never had you look at their papers at all. Most kids in Ann Arbor have parents helping and been gaming the system for years. If they are truly doing it on their own without your help, and taking every AP class they can, and getting A's, than good for them. Wow, mastery is just making sure everyone is learning. Kids actually learn by doing and correcting your mistakes. First, do you know how many kids bring up their math grade in the summer at summer school online--a lot! There are lots of options to enhance grades, so mastery is just making sure all kids learn the material before they move on; this is how good teacher's teach and how online learning works. Maybe your kid are getting all A's but I guarantee that the top 10% of the class has the same GPA as Huron and Pioneer. Your comments are very elitist and typical of those who not only want to win, but want others to loose by a lot.
Ricardo Queso
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 11:31 p.m.
No, you are passing along a rumor and it should be valued as such. If colleges are indeed beating down the door then your "kid" apparently applied himself. Congratulations. And to think, this happened while other less gifted students received help in the classroom.
TryingToBeObjective
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 10:28 p.m.
@Gretchen, my kid still did his homework. You bet he benefits. Colleges are pounding on the door already. The fact that significant amounts of other students don't do their homework detracts from any kid who does. @Ricardo, if you read any postings here, you would already know there is a whole lot of hearsay. I happen to believe what I was told by actual students. If you want to pretend otherwise, then you don't want to see the problem. That's a shame. I'm explaining my experience. That's not hearsay, it's reality. I'm hoping the problem of mastery can be fixed.
vox rationis
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 9:56 p.m.
I have a son who graduated last year from Skyline. Mastery may work for those who fall squarely in the "achievement gap" to assist with building the knowledge base. It was a big time reality check this year for my college bound son. No "mastery" in college. "Mastery" is a joke for the vast majority of college bound students. It is a concept that might be better used at the elementary or middle school level. By high school most students need a more traditional approach to grading. We look at Skyline as the program/concept designed to combat the achievement gap. Lots of good ideas poorly implemented. I hope the new principal cleans house of some of these concepts.
Ricardo Queso
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 8:46 p.m.
Please offer evidence of your claim regarding college admissions. If you cannot, you are guilty of spreading hearsay.
Gretchen Ridenour
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 8:26 p.m.
TryingToBeObjective: You state "Some kids don't do the homework. How beneficial is that for the kids that do the work?". The benefits of your kids doing the homework is that they are learning to be accountable and independent in their education. Regardless of whether other kids do their homework, no one can take away the knowledge that your kids have gained. It will all pay off in the end.
TryingToBeObjective
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 8:01 p.m.
Well @Jriley, in my kids class at Skyline, he was one of 3 students who did homework in his class. Three. Out of 25. Why? Because you'd have to try really hard to fail a class. Some kids don't do the homework. How beneficial is that for the kids that do the work? It disrupts the ability of the teacher to teach the class at a proficient level, since the majority of the class is behind, it may not be all kids or all classes. But the concept of mastery is abused. There were comments from a former Skyline student on AA.com not long ago. He also confirmed this. He coasted and never did any real work. Graduated with a B average. Another graduate I know said she had colleges question her GPA due to the "mastery program" at Skyline. Other schools in AA do not have this mastery program. Somehow other schools in AA have higher test scores than Skyline. Maybe it's because at least SOME of the kids aren't doing the work. It's not fair to the kids who put in the effort. This program could have worked, but it has been abused by too many. It would be different if the kid needed the extra help. But when many kids brag about it, it is a concept that is abused. You may want to check with your kids. If they are good students, they may know what I'm talking about, and it's not fair to them either.
towncryer
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 6:15 p.m.
It's just a guess, but I doubt TryingToBeObjective is referring to kids like yours, Jrileyhoff
Jrileyhoff
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 5:35 p.m.
Wow - seriously? Skyline is no easier than Huron or Pioneer. The challenge depends on your course selection. I have two students at Skyline, and they have never retaken a test for lack of mastery, so the grades they have are the grades they've earned. Also, if they had to retake a test for mastery, I would care more that they learn the material than what grade they receive.
a2roots
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 3:27 p.m.
Sounds as if this selection is a good one. Of course time will tell. Please interact with your teachers, staff and students. Should not be difficult to improve on and exceed the invisible Ms. Jackson in all facets of administration and leadership.
TryingToBeObjective
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 4:02 p.m.
Amen. Nowhere to go but up.
nickcarraweigh
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 2:49 p.m.
I wish this guy absolutely the best of luck in an important job i think he must be crazy to want. I'd rather herd cats for a living.
Susie Q
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 2:21 p.m.
I question the wisdom of bringing in "new" talent during this budget cutting season. Why couldn't someone already on the payroll be moved into this administrative position. It is shame to be adding more folks to the payroll.
InterestedReader
Thu, Jun 13, 2013 : 10 a.m.
The responders to this post are assuming that there are not any good administrators in AA. Far from the truth, there are very good admins in this district.
Basic Bob
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 6:06 p.m.
all excellent points. now since none of the failed administrators in the special assignment room are qualified, promptly remove them from the payroll.
TryingToBeObjective
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 3:56 p.m.
Sure. I bet Skyline would have loved to have Forsythes principal moved over. Forsythe would have appreciated it temporarily, until they realized they knew what was in their future. Why shuffle crappy administration? It's a shame they can't cut the crap and infuse some actual talent.
A Voice of Reason
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 3:38 p.m.
Maybe hiring the right person with a proven track record is best for the kids vs. the adults who may loose their job. This guy is great and one of the best around.
Darwinia
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 2:35 p.m.
Shuffling a bad administrator to a new location brings the baggage of bad experiences students and families already had. The result could make budget issues worse if families decide they don't want to have a student continue under the negative environment a bad principal can create.
sad day
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 2:18 p.m.
Cory will serve as an inspiration to all high school students at Skyline. It seems that YCS is losing all the good ones. Good luck and God bless Cory.
Haran Rashes
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 1:32 p.m.
As a Skyline Parent, I welcome Cory McElmeel to the Skyline Family and look forward to working with him.
kris
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 1:44 p.m.
And I second that! This is excellent news and I also look forward to a great year at Skyline!
cancan
Wed, Jun 12, 2013 : 1:30 p.m.
Congrats to Skyline. Mr. McElmeel will be greatly missed in Ypsilanti!