Colleyville Heritage principal accepts Dallas post, By: Iris Kuo

June 2, 2006, STAR-TELEGRAM

Colleyville Heritage High School Principal Robin Ryan is leaving after two years at the school to become an area superintendent of the Dallas school district, to the disappointment of many students, teachers and parents.

The announcement at a teachers meeting Friday took some by surprise, including Trustee Jesse Rodriguez.

“He came out of nowhere on this one,” Rodriguez said Friday evening. “It’s a loss and we’re going to miss him.” Ryan, the second principal in the school’s 10-year history, told school leaders of his decision Thursday evening, district spokeswoman Megan Overman said, although he had not officially submitted his resignation.

In a statement to be posted on the school Web site, Ryan said he had “mixed emotions” about his new job.

“I love Colleyville Heritage and the team of professionals who call CHHS home,” he wrote. “The students, staff and parents have truly made my time here a joy.”

Trustee Charlie Warner said it was obvious that Ryan had been talking to Dallas district recruiters for some time.

“He’s just been given an outstanding opportunity and decided to pursue it,” Warner said.

Ryan’s tenure was not without controversy. The school was the subject of an investigation into illegal steroid use in late 2004. He was reprimanded by district officials for waiting almost two months to notify them that nine students had admitted using steroids.

“I think he’s handled adversity extremely well,” Rodriguez said. “And in terms of that specific incident and even others, I feel like that pretty much comes with the territory.”

- In 2005, the high school was ranked 110th in the nation by Newsweek magazine. This year’s 556 graduating seniors earned $4.5 million in scholarships, and 90 percent plan to go to college.

A committee of teachers and parents will look at potential candidates to replace Ryan, Warner said.

“I’m very, very pleased with his performance,” Warner said. “It’s sad when you lose somebody like that, but you just have to look at the future and hope you can find someone who can fill their shoes in a terrific manner.”

Ryan was previously principal at Carroll High School and also had worked in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford district. He earned his doctorate in school administration from the University of North Texas while in his first year at Colleyville Heritage.