Frederick High School is getting a fresh wave of perspectives as Ashlie Swanson steps into the limelight to take over for Russell Fox. Fox, who had held a position of power for the past seven years—two as vice principal, four as the principal—is handing the torch off to one of his colleagues.
Swanson’s career background began as a counselor outside of education. She found herself being drawn to connecting people with education though, and mentions how she feels as though every situation requires education. “It’s the root cause of what motivates a lot of people. I had always known this, but wanted to pursue this passion further.” She began her education journey as an intervention teacher, and that’s where the spark ignited.
She still wanted to maintain a similar passion though that she found in counseling, and pursued it similarly at the high school level. After finding her passion once more, Swanson migrated upwards role wise into a district level position. As much as she enjoyed the opportunity, she missed the high school atmosphere greatly. Her moment rose again though when she reentered the high school atmosphere via Frederick.
Swanson first entered FHS’ atmosphere via becoming the dean of students five years ago. She eagerly took up the position. “Frederick is an incredible place, and I knew it was an incredible place. I wanted it to be the place that I call home, and look now.”
The multitude of reasons as to why she took the position show that Frederick hired the right individual for the role. “I’m ready to step up and become a problem solver for our community. I want to create a cohesive system where everything works together, and every student feels seen.”
Swanson also mentions how she wants to focus on carrying a big footprint within the community. “We do incredible work inside these walls, I’d love to see that replicated outside of these walls too. These students deserve to feel represented and respected, and feel like they have opportunities in the community and not just in the school itself.”
Swanson demonstrating how prepared she is for this role, and how she connects well with these students, makes her the perfect fit for Frederick. In a place so heavily concentrated with connections, and making sure every student feels heard, it will welcome the new principal change with open arms and swelling hearts.
