Social - July 2003

Music man becomes Union principal

Published July 25, 2003

By JEREMY ASHTON, LTN Staff Writer

VALE — Kirby Oldham needed a way to connect with his new students last year.

Oldham, then in his first year as Union Elementary School’s assistant principal, didn’t just give a speech during an assembly.

Instead, he went to each classroom accompanied by an old friend — his guitar.

“I introduced myself, taught them several songs and gave them an opportunity to ask me some questions,” Oldham said. “It was just a great way to break the ice, you might say, to get to know the kids.”

Union’s students and teachers can expect to see and hear more of Oldham and his guitar this year. The veteran educator was promoted to principal after Wanda Lutz retired.

Although he’s preparing for his first year as Union’s principal, Oldham has plenty of experience running a school.

Before coming to North Carolina, he spent 16 of his 29 years in various of parts of New York as a principal.  Prior to that, he taught for five years and was an assistant principal for seven.

After retiring from New York’s school systems, Oldham wanted to “find some warmer temperatures.”

He discovered the Lincoln County Schools’ web site and contacted Associate Superintendent Walter Hart to ask about job openings. Oldham quickly secured an interview and the assistant principal’s position at Union.

Throughout his career, Oldham has used music to reach students.

Now, he can play a variety of instruments, including the clarinet, saxophone and drums, but his love affair with the guitar dates back to junior high school.

“I picked up an electric guitar and a little amplifier and got four other guys together, and we formed a group,” he said. “That’s how it started, and I’ve been playing ever since.”

Oldham’s musical talents came in handy on a few occasions last year.

In February, Union’s students serenaded Phil Kirk, then the chairman of the State Board of Education, during his visit to the school. The song’s lyrics, penned by Oldham, were meant to get students excited about taking end-of-grade tests.

Earlier in the year, several students came with their parents to an open house and were getting restless waiting for the program to end. To keep them entertained, Oldham went back to his office, grabbed his guitar and sang with them for 20 minutes.

“I want the kids to see me as a positive person as a principal,” Oldham said. “I want them to see me as a person they can trust and develop that kind of a relationship with them, and music is a great way to do that.”

Oldham said his first year at Union with Lutz, who he called an “absolutely outstanding educator,” helped him become acquainted with the area and North Carolina’s curriculum.

He has a background in training teachers in instructional skill development, something he plans to put to use this year. He also wants to continue giving teachers input on decision making at Union, which he hopes will lead to continued academic success.

“I’ve worked in probably 27 schools across the state of New York in various roles, and this is one of the finest teaching staffs I’ve ever worked with,” he said. “They’re good — which is why they’re successful.”

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Staff Writer Jeremy Ashton can be reached at 704-735-3031 or jashton@ltnews.com.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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