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New principal takes reins at Bloomington High School
By Phyllis Coulter
pcoulter@pantagraph.com
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BLOOMINGTON -- Tim Moore made up his mind to visit each of Bloomington High School’s 110 teachers in their classrooms. “My goal is to get to everyone,” said the new principal, who also talked to a good number of the school’s almost 1,500 students in his first week.

He replaced Cindy Helmers, who became District 87’s data analysis coordinator.

Junior Maseante Walker was one of many who spotted Moore in the hallway and extended a warm “congrats.” Moore is among three new principals in Bloomington’s District 87 this year and one of six new principals and several administrators in Unit 5, Tri-Valley and Olympia schools.

On his first day, Moore noticed the American flag hadn’t been returned to the newly renovated student center. In his office, he stopped instantly when one of the teachers’ emergency buttons rang into his phone, then discovered it was a false alarm.

He met with a concerned parent and then returned to the hallways during passing periods, directing freshmen who had a dazed look in their eyes and a new schedule in their hands.

“I’m a freshman, too,” he told freshmen in the classroom of new teacher Jessica Reid-Knox. “It’s my first day as principal.”

In another room, he watched new history teacher Keith Davis give a dramatic presentation on a Portuguese slave castle. Students participated on their feet, reacting with wide eyes when Davis revealed surprising details.

Moore reassured an English teacher with only three students that her class would grow, and a business teacher in a standing-room-only classroom that his class would be smaller once scheduling was sorted out.

Before classes started for students, Moore held a teachers’ party where men wore tuxedos and women wore formal gowns to signify the beginning of the school year.

“We got lots of compliments – not just about how we looked in our tuxes and gowns,” Moore said. People felt like they were part of something new. “They said they feel refreshed.”

He wants to make Bloomington High School a place where, when you walk in, you immediately feel “good things happen here.”

He’s fortunate to have moved through the ranks at the same school, working as a teacher, assistant principal and associated principal.

“One of the blessings is that I never had to move my family,” he said. Wife Angie works at State Farm Insurance Cos., Son Griffin, 7, is a first-grader at Washington Elementary School and son Landon, 5, attends Blooming Grove School.

“Tim has impressed me since the first time I met him several years ago,” Superintendent Bob Nielsen said. “He’ll do great things at Bloomington High School.”

Moore wants to create a “culture of success” at the school, making parents feel welcome and staff members appreciated.

“I think we do a lot of good things for kids,” said Moore. But “some kids don’t feel they have a voice.”

Some students, for whatever reason, don’t leave the school with as much as they could have, he said. Moore wants “every kid (to) leave here with the best possible experience.”

Take a look
Bloomington High School Principal Tim Moore talks to senior student Tamara Farrell about her classes on the first full day of class Tuesday morning. (Pantagraph/LORI ANN COOK)
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Reader comments on this story - 24 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

BHS Alum also wrote on Aug 29, 2007 6:40 AM:

" In response to GOOD... Mr. Moore has been there for the past 8 or 9 years, why is he just NOW trying to get to know the students and be out and around, why hasn't he been doing this the entire time he has been there? It has only been a priority since he was named the new principal, open your eyes people! "

To Al's Friend: wrote on Aug 27, 2007 8:28 AM:

" You wrote: "I am from KY but grew up in Tenn before moving to Farmer City." Well shucks, that just about explains everything. What does that mean, you ask? Absolutely nothing, just like you and your idiotic comments. They are nothing. "

Al's Friend wrote on Aug 24, 2007 3:09 PM:

" Al is right on target and everyone knows it. I am from KY but grew up in Tenn before moving to Farmer City. Al is correct so GET OVER IT! "

Raider Alum wrote on Aug 24, 2007 3:06 PM:

" I graduated just a few years ago and I remember Mr. Moore was always there for students and was very approachable. Always seemed genuine and would listen to the students. He was also always able to get attention and respect out of students when it was needed. I think things will be run very well under Mr. Moore's command and this is a good thing for BHS. Have a great freshman year, Mr. Moore. ;) "

time will tell wrote on Aug 24, 2007 2:52 PM:

" Give Tim Moore plenty of time before you compare him to Mr. O'Neil. Remember, Mr. O'Neil had a completely different Superintendent running the show! "

Well Deserved! wrote on Aug 24, 2007 2:45 PM:

" Mr. Moore will make a great principal. When my son was a student at BHS a several years ago, he took a great interest in him and was very dedicated to all students and the school. He is an outstanding role model and I have no doubt he will be excellent in his new position. "

Good. . . wrote on Aug 24, 2007 1:16 PM:

" I think that it is great that Mr. Moore wants to get out and get to know everyone in the school. I think that it will build a cohesiveness with his staff and gain quick trust with the students. It also allows all parties to feel that the principal is approachable if he is out and visible rather than just sitting in his office all day. "

To: BHS Alum wrote on Aug 24, 2007 12:40 PM:

" OMG! I remember Mr. O'Neil and you are right; he was a great principle. I even remember when he was my PE teacher at Stevenson Grade School. There was a great man... Good luck Principal Moore. I hope you bring a lot to Bloomington because it really needs it.... "

BHS Alum wrote on Aug 24, 2007 11:15 AM:

" I was a student at BHS when O'Neal was principal. His presence just commanded respect and admiration from all the students. Seems that Tim Moore will also fill those shoes nicely. BHS was a great school and seems to be back on track to support positive students with great grades and attitudes to go with them!!! Congrats, Mr Moore! "

yeah wrote on Aug 24, 2007 10:48 AM:

" congrats mr moore. job well deserved. "

Casey Pirtle wrote on Aug 24, 2007 10:27 AM:

" Congrats to you Mr. Moore!!! I think it sounds like you are fostering a very positive environment! WTG!!!! "

Illya wrote on Aug 24, 2007 10:27 AM:

" To everyone. Please don't let one ignorant comment from "Al" overshadow all of the positive comments. Congratulations Mr. Moore and best of luck! "

to AL wrote on Aug 24, 2007 9:42 AM:

" Go back to Kentucky. "

Bloomington Parent wrote on Aug 24, 2007 9:40 AM:

" This may be the best thing that has happened to district 87 ever. I think Mr. Moore will be great as principal. I have two children at the high school. I went to freshman registration and to talk to an administrator about issues my younger child had....huge improvement since last year. The entire culture is different and it is so much more positive than it has been in years past. I'll be praying for you Mr. Moore, keep it up. The thought of every child having a voice is wonderful. "

Mr. Moore wrote on Aug 24, 2007 9:31 AM:

" Congratulations! We wish you the best and I'm so glad my son will complete his senior year while you are the principle. "

RE to AL wrote on Aug 24, 2007 9:23 AM:

" Exactly what are you inisinuating? "

granny RAider wrote on Aug 24, 2007 8:21 AM:

" My grandson is a freshman there - sounds like this person has a great attitude - GO RAIDERS! "

Alum as well wrote on Aug 24, 2007 7:37 AM:

" Congrats to Mr. Moore and to District 87. I have always thought that District 87 was a great school district and continue to. Here's hoping Mr. Moore will live up to the standards set by Mr. O'Neal. "

Congrats! wrote on Aug 24, 2007 12:34 AM:

" Principal Moore is a great guy with great insight in the school system. I live in a rough neighborhood where alot of the kids that attend BHS also live. Hopefully he will continue a great relationship with the police. Good luck. "

Gabe wrote on Aug 24, 2007 12:24 AM:

" Glad to see a positive story on a really good person. Tim Moore will do a great job at BHS ! "

Vance wrote on Aug 23, 2007 10:32 PM:

" Congraulations Mr. Moore. I hope you accomplish all that you have set out to do and that the City of Bloomington and your staff will continued to be in your coroner. "

al wrote on Aug 23, 2007 10:00 PM:

" thank god for affirmative action... "

old friend wrote on Aug 23, 2007 8:45 PM:

" please please stay until my 3rd grader is at BHS! Congrats to Tim ~ this means GREAT things for District 87! "

Alum wrote on Aug 23, 2007 8:27 PM:

" Good luck, Principal Moore. Glad to hear the District hired someone with a great positive attitude. It's a great school with a great legacy. BHS deserves a lot more positive press. People in this community unfortunately look down upon it without reason. My education at BHS served me well in college, grad school and beyond. Go Raiders! "
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