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CHAMPION -- Paula Baco, supervisor / interim director of the Trumbull Career and Technical Center, has been recognized by High Schools That Work Northeast Ohio for providing leadership and improvements made at the school.
"We believe changing adult behaviors will increase student achievement and graduation rates," Diana Rogers, regional coordinator at HSTWNE, said.
Baco and Youngstown Schools CEO Justin Jennings are among five in northeast Ohio to be recognized for their abilities to make significant improvements in their respective areas using data-driven methods.
Jennings is to receive the 2021 HSTW District Leadership award.
Baco is to be given the 2021 HSTW Career Technical Education School Leadership award and the 2021 Burkholder Leadership Scholarship award for increasing student achievement, according to Rogers.
Mary Flint, current director of Trumbull Career and Technical high school, described Baco as always being on top of new initiatives. "She always is willing to be one of the first to try different things," Flint said. "She never shies away from work. She is very dedicated."
Flint describes Baco as very good at putting others at ease in new situations. "She is well versed and knowledgeable and is able to break things down for staff members," Flint continued.
Receiving the two awards was a surprise for Baco.
"I'm definitely honored to receive this kind of recognition," she said.
She has worked at TCTC for 19 years, including as an English teacher, an intervention specialist and a supervisor. Baco will be TCTC high school's director next year when Flint retires.
"One of my strongest leadership characteristics is a willingness to listen to others," she said. "I want people around me to be heard and I am willing to listen to their ideas."
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