To introduce South’s interim principal, Dr. Willarine Beasley, to the student body, the Southerner conducted a Q&A with her. Dr. Beasley is familiar with the walls of South, as she volunteered here a few years ago. Dr. Beasley has worked in schools her whole life, from reading to second graders to being the principal of North High School. She is now excited to enter into a new role at South as interim principal.

Can you tell me about your background? 

That’s a big story! Well, I’ve been in Minnesota since 1971. I’ve served as teacher, an assistant principal, and as a principal. And I’ve implemented many programs in the school district. Prior to that I taught school in Chicago, Illinois, and in Arkansas. Little Rock is where I went to college.

What made you decide to take this job?

I always reflect on whether or not I can be of service. It certainly isn’t the pay! But I truly like working with young people, and staff as well. If I can help to improve situations, that’s what I’d like to do. I believe that whatever your gift is, whatever skills you have, you don’t lose them when you retire. It’s lifelong, to share that.

And I like South! I’m impressed with South. I like the climate, the atmosphere, the student body. I’m impressed with the beginning, the opening of school. For it to be the largest school in the district, [I’m impressed with] how well behaved [students are]. I know there will be some issues that we encounter, but the way in which students receive you, or the way that the staff is engaged with the students, is very important. I like the climate, the diversity.

What’s been the most challenging part of working at South so far?

The most challenging thing is getting to know people’s names! (laughs) I feel lost! But I feel comfortable, meeting and greeting. People are helpful, they meet the Tiger Pride expectations. Also, the atmosphere. I believe that it takes each of us to contribute to making the school a success. I see it as a family: everybody’s important, everybody’s role is important. I’m impressed even with the engineers-the flooring, the shine that you get, it sets a tone, it says something about the caring that takes place here.

What’s been the most rewarding part of working at South so far?

It’s a good feeling, I have a good administrative team, and staff. They are welcoming. The staff, in general, seems to have a welcoming approach. I feel the support from all that are involved. Of course there are some who have questions or have doubts, perhaps, but that does not phase me. I think that’s a natural thing, you know.

How do you see your role in the school an interim principal?

I see my role as a leader. I see us as a team, and I’m the leader of the team. But I recognize the importance, and the value of each person on the team. That each has uniqueness, that each may contribute to making the school a success. I feel that we’re a success, and we’re doing it together, through togetherness. If there are failures, it’s because of lack of togetherness. Problems do occur, however. Whatever the solution is to the problem, I think that we have it, together. Together we can make it happen.

Are there any changes that you would like to see during your time here?

Well, I’ve just gotten here. So it’s kind of early to decide. But I want to fulfill the mission, of Minneapolis Public Schools, as well as that of South. The thing that I’ve seen-students getting to class on time, I think that that’s important.

The importance of acceptance of each other. It’s quite a diverse population, but we learn from each other, so that’s crucial. That we can accept each other’s likeness, as well as each other’s differences that each one brings.

Anything else you’d like to say to the student body?

Let’s make this happen! (Laughs). As long as I’m here. I am an interim principal, but we’re going to fulfill the goals that they have, we want to see them do great things. We have outstanding students. We have students who have already contributed a great deal in every aspect. Not just athletics, but academics…it’s just an exciting school. And I’m proud to be a part of it.