Long-time principal bids Randolph fond farewell

RANDOLPH — Mary Miller gets a little misty-eyed at her desk at Randolph Elementary School.

Surrounded by special items - wooden cardinals nestled into a plant, smiling faces in frames, gifts from students, a plaque with a message “Be The Good,” all memories of her 35 years as a teacher, mentor and friend.

In the next few months, she’ll be cleaning out her belongings and clearing the way for new leadership at the school and a new path forward for her: retirement.

After getting her start teaching at Wheeler-Central in Bartlett, she moved to Randolph in 1987, not knowing anything about the town.

Her role started as a 7-12 special education paraprofessional. Then she switched to become the Social Science teacher a year later. In 2012, she added elementary principal, taking an additional 36 hours for her certification in Wayne State College. “It was a weird time. The school was looking at reduction in staff. There was a decrease in the numbers. I just thought it was an OK move to make,” she said of taking on the principal role on top of teaching. It was a challenge to both teach and serve as principal but she made it work, excelling at both. “She dove full force into a whole new world of elementary education while continuing to teach at the high school,” said Second-Grade Teacher Theresa Schnoor. “Her work load has been packed with a lot of learning along the way as an elementary school leader. Her heart has been full throttle into Randolph Public School.”

She was awarded the Region III Principal of the Year Award in 2018, recognized especially for being a driving force in getting the community’s first school-based daycare/early childhood learning center, Cardinal Kids, off the ground. “She initiated the idea for this program, oversaw the remodeling of several rooms housed in the elementary for the creation of a daycare space and is also a member of the non-profit board that has been established to provide staffing for this program,” said Superintendent Jeff Hoesing in his nomination letter. “This was a tremendous undertaking and it provided a unique solution to a community need.”

Miller said she’s most proud of her efforts to increase enrollment and the Cardinal Kids initiative was a big part of that.

“When I came on board, the biggest challenge I was facing was lack of enrollment,” she said. “We were getting smaller. I’ve worked pretty hard to get that turned around.”

She’s known for her good judgment, common sense and concern for students and staff among administrators.

Among staff, Miller served as boss but also friend.

“Mary has a revolving door to her office,” said Jackie Loberg, the school secretary with an office adjacent to Miller’s. “There was always someone needing her and she always took the time for each and every one of them.”

Social Studies Teacher Tara Strathman said Miller had a profound impact on her as an educator.

“She was the mentor I needed when coming to Randolph as a first-year teacher,” she said. “She has played so many roles within the district that her experience, knowledge and relationships are irreplaceable.”

Students saw her as teacher, sometimes a disciplinarian but also got a glimpse of her silly side.

“She was always a good sport,” Loberg said. Over the years, Miller kissed a goat, received a pie to the face, taped to a wall and sat on the school roof.

Over the years, she coached and sponsored many sports and activities.

One of her favorite memories was when Randolph defeated Hartington Cedar Catholic in volleyball in 1994 in a “big upset.”

She’s has so many enjoyable times with staff and the children, she said.

Miller will be moving to Lincoln, closer to her children, Adam and Kaitlyn who both live there. She is looking forward to being “that grandma” who picks up her grandchildren, 4-year-old Blair and 2-year-old Wesley, from school, and just being able to attend their special events especially with another granddaughter on the way.

“Wesley’s going to be in a sister sandwich according to Blair,” Miller said.

As she closes out her teaching career, she’s collecting more hugs and well wishes to pack with her when she goes.

Last week, Miller was presented an oversized homemade card with each class’s picture and a candy bar poem with flavored treats throughout with a lasting sentiment: “Make sure you know you are a Whopper of a principal.”