Las Lomas Welcomes New Principal Tiffany Benson
Tiffany Benson talking to Tim Kruger at the meet and greet on May 23rd.
Tiffany Benson, the incoming new principal for Las Lomas, is going to be the second female principal in the history of Las Lomas.
The first was Jean Dalton who was principal from 1989 to 1993.
Co-President of Las Lomas’s Feminist Society Club, Zoe Larkin explains why this a big step. “On a macro scale, there is a significant gender gap in administrative positions. Women currently hold only 14.6 percent of executive jobs,” she wrote in a text. “For this reason, any shift of administrative power into the hands of disenfranchised groups is an essential step toward an egalitarian society. Ms. Benson’s appointment reflects hope of such a step.”
Caroline Francois, the co-resident of Feminist Society, explains in detail another reason why Benson’s new position is vital: “Outside of the education system, a larger leadership disparity exists in California with only 12.3% (UC Davis) of the highest paid executives being women. It is important to have a female principal at Las Lomas because stereotypical masculine power personalities need to be challenged. When young girls see no women occupying the top paying jobs, they are taught that those jobs aren’t meant for women,” said Francois.
Just Like Larkin and Francois, Benson understands the importance of female representation: “I see the value of having leaders that represent the diversity of our population. As a woman I think seeing women in leadership roles is very positive for young women in the same way that lots of diverse representation and leadership is important. I want to be a positive role model not just for women but for young men as well. And so, I endeavor to really earn your trust and be a positive role model for all of you,” said Benson.
In preparation to leave her vice principal position at Novato High, Benson has been working on getting her successor at Novato ready: “I’m working on setting up some systems ...so that when that person comes in, they are ready to go, ” said Benson.
This process of readying the next Novato VP has distracted her from the hardship of leaving the school she has worked at for two years.
“It’s a bittersweet thing to leave the friends and colleagues that you have been working with for the last two years, but I’m so excited for this new transition that I think that my overwhelming feeling is just excitement,” said Benson.
Las Lomas staff and students at the meet-and-greet with Tiffany Benson in the theater on May 23rd.
Once Benson establishes herself here at Las Lomas her biggest challenge might just be getting to know the students and then earn their trust and respect.
Jennifer Nickl, a colleague of Tiffany Benson was a Las Lomas social studies and English teacher who left for an administration position at Novato.
Ironically, Nickl went from Las Lomas to Novato and Benson will go from Novato to Las Lomas after being pushed by Nickl to go for the position of Principal.
“She was destined to excel in her career. She is amazing as an educator and as a colleague and friend. She can analyze a situation from both the teacher’s and the student’s perspective. She is kind and reasonable with a great sense of humor. She enjoys her job and no one works harder,” said Nickl.
After working with Benson for two years, Nickl has become well acquainted with Benson which makes the move hard, “I am very happy for her but very sad for Novato and selfishly for myself as she is great to share ideas with,” said Nickl.
Nickl has been able to give advice to Benson about how to get familiar with Las Lomas by talking about everything: from campus landmarks to how great it is to have Whole Foods a quick walk away. Even though Benson will be going to the very district Nickl left, Nickl is hopeful that they will work together again, “the Bay Area is a relatively small educational community, so I am hopeful our paths will cross through the years,” said Nickl.
Once June 9th passes, Dr.Campbell will be leaving Las Lomas and in the upcoming fall Ms. Benson will be welcomed. Campbell has been preparing for Benson’s arrival by providing guidelines on how the school works.
The transition for Campbell is both sad and exciting, Campbell will leaving his job at Las Lomas for a higher position in Fremont with new challenges. “It’s bittersweet. I really genuinely feel that Las Lomas is this incredible place and it’s bigger than just a school and a place of work. For me its been seven years as my home and I have been embraced by the students and the community and the staff. So it’s been an amazing seven years,” said Campbell.
