Meet The Principal: Garrison Linder

With the new school year here, Carwise Middle School Principal Garrison Linder has rolled up his sleeves and is diving into his work.

Linder will do anything that is necessary to ensure that Carwise maintains the highest standards of excellence. “I have been known to even cut the grass to help out our custodial staff.” said Linder.

Under his leadership the school has received an "A" grade from the State of Florida for the last eleven years.  has also earned the Five Star School award for the last ten years in a row.

When asked about the single most important quality a principal should possess Linder did not blink an eye. “You have to like kids,” he said, “If not, you are in the wrong job!”

Linder says his leadership style is to delegate responsibility and provide his staff with the opportunity to grow professionally. He has great confidence in their abilities. “I am not a micro-manager,” he said with great pride.

The greatest challenge facing Linder this year is dealing with budget issues and reaching the school goals pertaining to the FCAT. The school's budget was cut by $3000 for the upcoming 2011-2012 school year.

As for the FCAT, "We had the highest science scores in the county last year," Linder said. He would love to see an even greater improvement in reading, writing, and math scores this year.   

Linder is passionate about his teachers. He feels they are the key to providing a quality education for Carwise students. “We try to hire only the best teachers. They have to be highly qualified and have the proper certifications,” said Linder, “They must have a desire to become part of the Carwise family."

Linder feels that if parents want to help improve the quality of their child’s education they must be proactive. “Don’t be an absentee parent,” he advised, “Join the PTA, chaperone a field trip, email your child’s teachers, and get involved with the School Advisory Committee.”

He encourages parents to check the school’s on-line portal daily, so they can monitor their child’s progress concerning grades and attendance.

When it comes to technology at Carwise, the schools Technology Committee plays a vital role. There are 600 computers on campus. “The committee looks at our four year rotation plan, where computers are updated or replaced. It is a collaborative effort,” said Linder. 

As for the negative effect that the economy has had on schools, Linder is philosophical. “It’s tough,” he said, “I have to do a lot of listening. We are all in this together. I have several teachers who have had to take on a second job.”

Linder says if he could wave a magic wand, he would wish for a throwback to a more simple time.  “We have too many distractions today” said Linder.  He feels that a back to basics approach, where there are clear expectations would be terrific. “It would be great to go back to the time of Ozzie and Harriet.” he said with a smile.

Linder is proud of his school's participation in the Palm Harbor community. The Service Learning class has developed working partnerships with various organizations such as Clothes to Kids, Head Start and the . The school’s PTSA, has partnered with Chick-Fil-A, Longhorn Steakhouse and Chili’s.  The school also has collections throughout the year for the Salvation Army and the American Heart Association.

So, what is the one thing that people might not know about Garrison Linder?  

“I’m a softie inside,” he said with a smile.

More Garrison Linder Facts

• This Principal is a Confessed Bookworm: Linder was an avid reader of the classics when he was a teenager. His favorites were Catcher in the Rye and Animal Farm.
• He Loved School: “I really liked school as a kid…. my best memory was becoming a 10^thgrader. I was no longer on the bottom of the totem pole. It felt great,” Linder says.
• He Got His Start Here: Linder began his teaching career 35 years ago in the Pinellas County school system after moving here from East Quogue, Long Island. His first assignment was as a PE teacher at Tarpon Springs Middle School. Linder was later appointed Assistant Principal at Safety Harbor Middle School in Clearwater. He transferred to Carwise Middle School eighteen years ago, and has spent the last nine years as its Principal.
• All in the Family: Linder’s wife Jackie is the International Baccalaureate math teacher at . He has two daughters Cameron 23, and Katherine who is 28.
• His Own Schooling: Linder earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Wake Forest University. He received his Master's degree from Stetson University.