Entering retirement, Larry Wood leaves behind his personal touch at Beach Elementary
At what school can it actually be a treat to report to the principal’s office?
The answer is Beach Elementary, where Larry Wood has been the principal for the past decade.
“Mr. Wood finds creative ways to encourage all students to achieve and to have fun along the way,” said Kim West, who serves as head of the school’s parent-teacher organization. “How many principals, for example, incentivize reading by promising top readers a trolley ride, lunch out, and ice cream – with the principal?”
When you think of your students as people, not children, it makes plenty of sense.
“I don’t yell at kids, and I certainly expect that people not yell at me,” Wood said. “I like to establish a mutual feeling of respect.”
West said the culture is evident to all involved.
“He truly advocates for every child, and the students’ trust in, and admiration for, their principal is readily apparent in their daily interactions with him – starting with him addressing students by name upon arrival to school and offering each a hearty ‘good morning,”’ she said.
He’ll leave behind that legacy at the end of the month when he retires after 44 years in education. On Friday, he’ll say goodbye to his pupils as the school year ends. His last 10 here in Fort Myers Beach are ones he’ll cherish, with it being topped off with his students landing the top assessment score of the 46 elementary schools in Lee County.
“But that’s the result of the great staff and tremendous support of the parents and community,” said Wood, who can’t even begin to count the number of dollars and hours expended with Estero Island’s only school in mind. “That’s why they excel.”
Of course, Wood has enjoyed the educational aspect of his position. But he has equally enjoyed networking within the community.
“If I had to list all of our business partners, it would include almost everyone on the island,” he said. “I love talking with people in the community, bragging about our school. I don’t find that as being at work at all.”
Said West, “Mr. Wood has been a wonderful ambassador for the school and an involved community partner. We will miss having his steady hand at the helm of the Beach School.”
And much of what has mattered most are the little things, Wood said. Last week, for example, paramedics volunteered to demonstrate swimming safety to the kids with paddle boards borrowed from a local business at the community pool which opened up its doors and reserved the needed space.
“I don’t know if one dollar was spent, but three different organizations gave their time and showed they care,” Wood said. “That’s a good example of what goes on here.”
Upon arrival in 2005 after 34 years of being an administrator in Michigan, Wood wasn’t sure what he was getting himself into. After all, Beach Elementary doesn’t look much like your typical Midwest school.
“I remember that first day thinking, ‘Gee, I don’t see any building tall enough to be a gymnasium,'” he said. “I soon learned that most things happen outside – that the world is our gymnasium.”
And as the years passed, he realized he was part of a dynamic time of change in the field of learning.
“What’s now expected of kindergartners is what was expected of third- or fourth-graders not so long ago,” Wood said. “What was taught in eighth grade now takes place in fourth. Heck, in first grade they’re now learning basic geometry. When I was in school I think we first saw that in middle school, at the earliest.”
With the school in good stead, the 66-year-old Wood said he’ll enjoy “not having to be in charge or responsible for something” for the first time in what seems like forever. More specifically, 50 years. Entering the workforce at a Michigan hospital at 15, a year later when he got his driver’s license he was put in charge of a crew of older men at the hospital with the responsibility of breaking down sensitive machinery.
When he went into education, he was an assistant principal right out of the gate.
His wife, Teri, is also a career educator and reached retirement time 10 years ago. The Woods desired to move to a warm climate, but still wanted to be in the field. Teri went another six years with Lee County’s administration staff in the district headquarters and Larry stayed in the trenches, leading the Beach School as principal and making the tough drive to the island from Fort Myers.
“I could have retired after 30 years, but I wasn’t ready,” Wood said.
Three years ago, with Teri having retired, they made the move to the island where they plan to stay.
“That made life so much easier,” Wood said.
In fact, upon arrival he was even open to new endeavors, last year joining the Fort Myers Beach Fire District as a commissioner – something he said he’d like to continue after retirement.
As for leaving the school at this particular time, the decision just felt right.
“They say that when it’s time you’ll know, and I know,” Wood said. “But don’t worry, I’ll pop up all over the place.”
Dobbins will take over at Beach School
Replacing Larry Wood as principal at Beach School is Jeff Dobbins, an educator with 33 years of experience. He starts July 1.
“Fort Myers Beach Elementary enjoys a rich history of academic and cultural excellence which is a result of the partnership between the school staff, parents and community,” Dobbins said in an introduction letter to parents. “Together we will continue to provide a positive educational experience for all of the students who attend our amazing school.”
He started at North Fort Myers Academy of the Arts, then moved on to Villas Elementary. After earning a leadership degree, he was named assistant principal at Orangewood Elementary, before serving the role as principal at Sunshine Elementary and then the same back at Villas Elementary. His last position was as a principal-on-assignment at the Lee County district office.
“I am looking forward to a wonderful experience as the principal of Fort Myers Beach Elementary, and becoming part of your school community,” he said.
– John Morton