David Richardson

Standing at the doorway of the Brevard High School cafeteria, students talk and joke with their easygoing leader, Principal David Richardson, who is Transylvania County's Wachovia 2004 Principal of the Year.

In his second year at Brevard High, Richardson has made an impression on his students.

"He always makes time to talk to us, even if he's busy, he'll stop what he's doing and talk to you," said 17-year-old senior Eriel Smith.

The mood is lighter at the school since Richardson has been there, added Amanda Worley, 17, a senior.
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Establishing a good rapport with the students and staff was a top priority for Richardson when he came to Brevard High as principal in 2001, he said.

"I think that's one thing the kids always keep an eye on, is whether they've been treated fairly," Richardson said.
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"We're real proud of this School of Excellence recognition," Richardson said."It shows the district that we're working hard and the students and staff are really putting forth the effort."

Richardson graduated from Concord High School in Michigan in 1973.He received an associate of science degree in 1975 and graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in industrial engineering in 1979.

He got his teacher's certification in 1985 at the University of Wisconsin and received his master's degree in education from Western Carolina University in 1999.

He taught math for five years from 1993 to 1998 at Enka High School in Buncombe County.He was hired as an assistant principal at North Buncombe High School in Weaverville in 1998.He joined the Transylvania County School system in 2001.
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Richardson will compete with principals from 18 other school systems next year for the Wachovia Principal of the Year for Western North Carolina.

He and his wife, Laurel, have four children.The family lives in Brevard.