The Southwest Voice

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Jonathan Dean, Principal of Thompson Junior High School , was awarded the Administrator  of the Year Award by Kern Association of Educational Office Professionals at their Annual Bosses Luncheon on April 17, 2008.

Jon is a dedicated, experienced and talented individual in the Panama Buena Vista Union School District with over thirteen years of educator experience. As an instructional leader, Jon is recognized for culivating a school environment where all students can reach their maximum growth.

Mr. Dean has been formidable in making Thompson a great place to work with many  school improvements.  He instituted the use of school wide academic binders, developed a progressive discipline plan and established a positive working environment by implementing a democratic work process.   He is a very approachable administrator and is always open for new ideas.   He has supported and reinforced standards-based curriculum.

Thompson Junior High is currently in the process of being recognized as an AVID(Attainment Via Individual Determination) Demonstration School.  The process is intense and the school clearly demonstrates model practices for preparing all students for college.

Qualities that make Mr. Dean so unique are different experiences in his life besides education. He was an entrepreneur and business owner for the first 12 years of his professional life.   He was a recipient of the US Army Achievement Medal and the US Overseas Medal serving under the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army.  He also serves as a Bakersfield Police Reserve Officer.  He is currently working on his Doctorate in Education which will be completed this year.

 Mr. Dean is a devoted family man to his wife, Tera, and his two daughters, Brittney and Riley.  September is a favorite month for him, when he enjoys a get away weekend for scuba diving for lobsters.

Congratulations, Mr. Dean!  A job well done.