Dr. Chris Blanton, Watauga High School’s Principal, is transferring to the position of Assistant Superintendent for Watauga County Schools. Blanton has had six amazing and productive years at Watauga High School. As Assistant Superintendent, Blanton intends to be of service to other schools throughout the district.
This year marks Blanton's final year at Watauga High School and he will be truly missed by students and staff members. Throughout many years at Watauga, Blanton has many things to be proud of. One of his biggest accomplishments is the evolution of the FLEX block.
"When I got here, the FLEX block concept was different. In the six years that I have been here the FLEX process has come a long way, and teachers have collaborated to make it work. I think that has been a reasonable collective effort,” said Blanton. “We used to have a twenty-minute break, so it was just a twenty-minute class change. There are many different iterations of flex to get it to what it is today."
Although he is leaving, Blanton has much to look forward to. He is most looking forward to connecting with other schools.
"I think one of the biggest things I am looking forward to is working with other schools within the district,” said Blanton. “I look forward to seeing more of the district and learning more about the kids, staff, and administration.”
It’s unknown who will fill Blanton’s position as Principal of Watauga High School. They must be highly qualified and have the appropriate license to be a principal.
“The Superintendent will end up being the final person to make the recommendation to the Board of Education. As far as qualifications go, they have to have the appropriate license to be a Principal,” said Blanton. “The biggest thing they need to have is to love the kids and want to have the desire to work with the staff."
Blanton says the thing he enjoys the most about the school year as Principal is graduation. Seeing the whole year wrapped up in one night is exciting.
"Graduation every year for me is the most fun event because it's the culmination of everything that has happened in high school,” said Blanton “It's just an exciting time. There's a lot of energy and emotion when graduation is held."
As an experienced Principal, Blanton had some advice for the upcoming Principal. Enjoying your job is one of the most important things for this position.
“Enjoy it, it's a really fun job,” said Blanton. “I also think a big thing is knowing as many people as possible, getting to know the students, and developing relationships with the students, teachers, and families is a fun place."
Blanton will miss the school, students, and relationships he's made during his career at Watauga High School, but he’s excited about his new position.
"I will miss the students and staff more than any of them will ever know,” said Blanton.
Dr. Blanton has been a supportive Principal, as well as a friend to every student and staff member who has set foot in Watauga. Through these connections, he has made our school system a better place for everyone.
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