In only his third week as Principal of Holliston High School, David List is busy meeting with students, teachers, parents, and members of the community to gather their thoughts and begin building relationships.  In his introductory letter to parents, List wrote, “It is a privilege to be part of a community that values education and fosters a nurturing environment for growth and learning.” 

Most recently, List was Assistant Principal of Medway H.S., and is proud of the relationships he built with families and the community.  Since several of his 8 years in Medway were “COVID years,” collaborating with teachers about changes in education was extremely important. “The faculty was resilient concerning student needs.  Leading that group was amazing, seeing how students and teachers could change,” List remarked.  Frequent conversations about structure and content led him to a clear vision of “It’s WE, not ME,” in leading a school. 

Engaged in his search for employment, List said that he looked for a “right fit for me…a place that shared my values; the district of Holliston aligns with my values.”  In his office, List pointed to a poster of HHS’s “Vision of a Graduate,” created by students, faculty, parents/guardians, and community members.  List said, “The Vision of a Graduate shows what they need to succeed.  This is what the community believes…  These values are important to the stakeholders.” Upon examination, the poster enumerated these qualities:  global citizen, balanced life, lifelong learner, character, effective communicator, and innovative thinker.

Among his personal values, List said, “The most important [value] is ‘We are here for kids.’”  Additionally, equity:  List said, “Every student should have what they need to be successful, to do hard work,”  adding social and emotional development of kids as an important component.  Number 3 is access to opportunities.  “Teachers should be able to share their passions,” he said. He mentioned the HHS mentorship program and the building of a tiny house as examples of teachers who add their passion to the traditional curriculum.  Lastly, List values an investment in kids, including personnel and buildings.

Assuming his new role of principal, List used a metaphor to explain his view of a leader: “ It’s like you’re on a balcony, overlooking a dance floor.  You go between the two, share what you see, and move the vision forward.”  List feels rather than having HIS vision, it’s more empowering to bring out and engage others in their passions—to engage the school it in its learning all together, driven by a core set of values that guide us.  “As an individual, it’s very empowering to work collaboratively as a team.  Ego is not in the game.  It’s what’s best for the kids.  I will never be the smartest in the room,” List said. His boyhood dream, he confessed, was to be Indiana Jones. List pursued studies in archeology and history at the University of Hartford.  (Perhaps skills of agility and endurance may be useful to a high school principal?)

In his introductory letter to parents, List invited parents to 20-minute individual meetings.  “These meetings will provide an opportunity for me to get to know you and to actively listen to your thoughts, concerns, and ideas. By engaging in these conversations, we can collaboratively work towards enhancing the educational experience and building an even stronger Holliston High School community.”  List said that parents of high school students seldom engage with the principal.  More often, parents drop the students off and go on their way.  He’s out to change that practice—speaking to parents this summer, at sports and activities, and in the school. 

List’s introductory message can be viewed in its entirety by downloading the file below.

With List’s permission, we print his email address.  To use his words, “[Y]our input and involvement are crucial to our shared success.” Email:  listd@holliston.k12.ma.us