Staff Writer
 |
| Dr. Thomas Dixon |
Dixon was principal of
Apex High School prior to Wight. “I've probably done as many of these little
interim jobs as anybody and coming back here just made me realize just how
terrific this school is,” said Dixon. “Not that other schools aren't good, but
this is just kind of a step above everything to me.”
Having grown up by the
coast in Morehead City, he says him and his wife try to get down to the beach
as much as they can. Dixon says he likes to read, walk, golf, and loves dogs.
Currently, he’s caring for his new 9 month old golden retriever, the fifth that
he’s owned,
Dixon began his career
as a math teacher in Wake County, teaching while school was in session, and
lifeguarding at the beach during the summer. He worked as a teacher at Aycock
Junior High, Enloe High School, and Sanderson High School. After he quit his
side job as a lifeguard, Dixon decided to get his administration degree.
He began his first
principal position in Tarboro, NC, where he opened Martin Middle School. From
there he continued his career to five other schools: Neal Middle School,
Githens Middle School, Githens High School, and Southern Durham High School. He
then became superintendent of Wilson County for seven years. In 1991, he became
principal of Apex High School, where he finished out his career in 2006.
During the first four
years of his retirement, Dixon joined a group of retired principals who worked
with schools in North Carolina. “These were schools that were classified as low
performing because of test scores. We'd go in and work with the principals and
the administrative team, trying to help figure out ways to improve the school,”
said Dixon.
In 2010, Dixon began
accepting interim principalships in Wake County. “This is the tenth one that
I've done in Wake County- and by the way, my favorite,” Dixon added.
“When I left we had
about 2,200 students and now there’s 2,600,” said Dixon about the changes he’s
seen in Apex. “We expanded some electives, like art. AOIT has grown. Just so
many more improvements. We had a great run when I was here, but I can see so
much more that Mr. Wight and his team have improved. It’s just bigger and
better, and it’s just very impressive.”
“I've only been here a
couple days but I just enjoy everything about high schools, particularly a
school that I have some history with,” said Dixon. “I’m just really looking
forward to the fitting in, working with teachers, helping students, going to
ball games, doing supervisory duties- just all the things you do [as an interim
principal]. I mean, it’s just a good place to be.”
Dixon doesn't plan on
making any significant changes. “Usually, interim principals do their best to
make it so that the teachers and students don’t have to make any adjustments.
In other words, whatever Mr. Wight was doing, I want to help keep that going. When
they bring in the new principal, whomever that may be, if there are any
changes, that’s when they would occur.”
He revealed that Wight
will be a part of the graduation ceremony, but cannot confirm if he will be
giving diplomas to every senior. “All I know is that he will be involved. I
don’t know if I will even still be here, because I'm not sure when the new
person will be coming,” said Dixon.”
