New principal takes the helm at Wildwood Elementary School
By Joann Groff  joann@theacorn.com

Doug Hedin has lived in Newbury Park his entire life. He attended Banyon Elementary, Sequoia Middle School and Newbury Park High School. After continuing his education at Moorpark College and California Lutheran University, Hedin dove into teaching in the local area.

Now, in his first principal position, Hedin is the new head of Wildwood Elementary.

"I'm really looking to continue the tradition Wildwood has," Hedin said. "I want to help move them forward in all areas--academic, support, utilizing the community--really make Wildwood the hub of this community as it should be."

Hedin has logged more than 10 years teaching, including second, fourth and sixth grade at Park Oaks Elementary and sixth grade at Sycamore Canyon.

He also served as Sycamore's dean of students for three years before pursuing a principal job in the district.

Hedin said the transition to Wildwood has been made a lot easier by his staff, the teachers and parents.

"I've been so fortunate to have the staff we have," Hedin said. "They've been unbelievable. They brought me up to speed, supported me and helped me learn more about the school's culture.

"I've received a lot of support from parents that I've met before school even started. They really helped me understand what the school was all about."

Hedin describes his leadership style as collaborative.

If a decision he's making has to do with staff or teachers, he will actively involve them in discussions.

"All decisions are made in the best interest of the students," Hedin said. "I'll encourage parents to give feedback if it affects them, or bring in the teachers if we're discussing something related. I'll involve the kids on things like finding out what events they'd like to have or what kind of dress-up days they want.

"But the bottom line is that it all comes down to the students," he said.

After his first day as a principal last week, Hedin was more excited then ever to take over the reins of a Conejo Valley Unified school.

"It was so outstanding," Hedin said. "The kids were here, they were excited, and they were full of energy.

"When the students leave school with smiles on their faces, you know things are okay."