Mr. B: the New Sheriff in Town
Katye Gilliland
September 1, 2010
Filed under Features, News
Mr. J. Todd Bornscheuer. Are you wondering what the J stand for in our new principals name? We found out, “Does the J stand for Janice or something embarrassing?”
“No, it’s actually Joseph. I always wanted to be called Joe, but my mom wouldn’t let me.”
Knowing that the school wanted to know more about him than his name, we had a lot of questions. Even with his hectic schedule, he was gracious enough to sit down with us for an interview.
Since he’s been at North Augusta High School, the response to his presence has been widely positive among staff and students alike. “Everyone has been fantastic, nothing less than fantastic even with a crazy first week.”
Mr. Bornscheuer came to North Augusta this year from Silver Bluff High School where he was for 14 years. The first six years at Silver Bluff he spent teaching math…every kind of math imaginable. The last eight were spent in administration and as principal.
When asked about the differences and similarities between the Bulldogs and the Yellow Jackets, he took on a nostalgic tone. “They’re very similar actually, but the students at North Augusta are prouder of their school and want to be super involved in school activities.”
Following up with the differences, we asked him how he planned to change this school, he had to think a long time before answering: “The school year is what you make it, especially for seniors. But students should feel empowered. I want to uplift student spirits about school. If I come in here and say we are going to change this and that, it is not as powerful as the students making choices. I have many committees who change things as a group.”
Mr. B (as he likes to be called) has enjoyed his time at North Augusta, but what about the bad times? When asked about any difficulties he’d faced here, he paired a scrunched face with, “That old dinosaur of a bell system that I’m dealing with. It’s ancient.”
In closing, we wanted to know one thing that he wanted North Augusta to know about him personally. He thought for a moment and looked at a picture of his children, “I want North Augusta to know that I’m a daddy to my little boys. I am a parent myself, so I get it; I understand what parents want for their children. I want what’s best for the students and I treat them how I’d want my kids to be treated.”
