By Kirk Ross
Staff Writer
After three decades as an educator in Chapel Hill, much of that as the first and only principal at East Chapel Hill High, Dave Thaden announced this week that he’s stepping down.
Thaden cited his 30-year mark and a need to focus on his health as the reasons for this decision.
He attributed both his longevity as an educator and his success as a principal to a love for his students and sincere interest in seeing them learn and develop as people.
“It’s what gets me out of bed in the morning,†he said. He called being a high school principal engaging and demanding, but at times downright silly.
School board chair Lisa Stuckey, whose three children attended East, said the district is sorry to see him go.
“We certainly wish him well,†she said. “He is a great person and we appreciate his service to the school community.â€
Superintendent Neil Pedersen said Thaden has had a long and illustrious career with the district.
“East Chapel Hill High School’s success is a testament to Mr. Thaden’s leadership,†Pedersen said in a statement released Wednesday afternoon. “I believe that the high school principalship is the most challenging position in the district, and Mr. Thaden has performed admirably in this capacity for thirteen years. I think that his decision to retire at this time after 30 years of service to the district is the right decision, so he can attend to his personal needs. He deserves a respite and then I’m sure that he will pop up in another capacity to serve educators locally or across the state.â€
Thaden, a native of East Lansing, Mich., started his career as an English teacher at Phillips Middle School in 1979. He worked in the district office and served in administrative roles, including four years as an assistant principal at Chapel Hill High. He moved to East Chapel Hill High in 1995 to prepare it for its 1996 opening.
Even as an administrator, Thaden continued to teach English. Four years ago, when East grew to 1,400 students, he finally had to stop.
He has declined to talk specifics about his health issues.
“I’m working with some good folks and they’re pleased that things appear to be moving in the right direction,†he said.
He also expects that after some downtime he’ll find a new role in the community. He said working with Habitat for Humanity last summer was particularly rewarding and he’s interested in the Interfaith Council’s work as well.
“I know I’ll do something to give back to my community,†he said.
Thaden also hinted he may get back into teaching at some point and cited his success in hiring former McDougle Middle School principal Charley Stewart after his retirement.
“We’ll see what happens,†he said. “I’m not closing any doors. I can’t imagine I’m just going to stay at home and paint.â€
Mr. Thaden is the best principal and teacher I have ever had. Period.
I had Mr. Thaden twice, once as a 7th grader in 1982 and again as a ninth grader in 1984. In Chapel Hill I was blessed to have lots of amazing teachers, and Dave Thaden was right at the top.
Mr. Thaden is one of those rare teachers who inform and entertain. Mr. Thaden is also one of the reasons the Chapel Hill school system is so good. Heck, the professors at Carolina and at Rutgers Law cound not hang with the likes of Thaden, Kiger, Yount, etc…..