3 Principals Selected as Tops in Their Class

Ask Eileen Banta, a 31-year veteran educator, why she thinks she was chosen this year’s top high school principal in the Los Angeles Unified School District by area peers in the Assn. of California School Administrators and her mind draws a blank.

“I think [my career at this level] mirrors most careers, and that’s the humbling part of it,” said Banta, principal of Cleveland High School in Reseda. “So many people are so deserving of an award just like this.”

Banta, 56, of Woodland Hills, is one of 14 LAUSD administrators to be honored. Also named were Alfredo Tarin, principal of Mulholland Middle School, and Connie Gibson, principal of Lemay Street Elementary School, both in Van Nuys.

The winners had to meet criteria that ranged from showing strong support for school management to a commitment to educational quality and student achievement, said Julie White, an association spokeswoman.

Banta’s students and peers say she was a shoo-in for the honor.

“Mrs. Banta is recognized as being extremely competent. Oftentimes fellow principals will call her for advice on how to handle certain situations,” said Allan Weiner, Cleveland’s assistant principal.

Tarin, 44, of North Hills, is credited with bringing a peer mediation program to Mulholland Middle School, a diverse campus where students speak numerous languages and 70% of the student population is Latino, said Bill Hedrick, Mulholland’s assistant principal. “He’s done a lot of work here to promote diversity and encourage students to get along together and live in harmony.”

Tarin and Gibson also started a Saturday school for children and parents held at Mulholland Middle School each week. Averaging about 300 students per Saturday, the school offers a range of classes, from computers to karate.

Gibson, 54, of Tujunga, said the program provides extra help while fostering quality time between children and parents.

“It’s a good way for parents to show they respect school and education,” Gibson said.

The winners, nominated by an 11-member committee of peers, will compete with other California regions for top statewide honors in their categories.