Platteview High School has been fortunate to have Mr. Mike McLaughlin as principal for the past two years. Not only does he bring a depth of knowledge and experiences, he frequently supports and promotes the Trojan community. The Charioteer recently discussed with McLaughlin his daily routine, the obstacles and challenges he faces as a principal, and his goals for students and faculty at Platteview.
Mike McLaughlin, the beloved principal at Platteview High School, was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. He grew up with a father in the Air Force; therefore, as a kid he consistently moved to different locations. Being a military kid his had resigned all around the world including places like England, California, Nebraska, and Iowa.
After his mother’s passing in 1980, his father retired from the Air Force and the family settled in Bellevue, Nebraska, where he graduated from Bellevue West High School. McLaughlin later got an undergraduate degree from UNO and Masters degree from Peru State College in Curriculum & Instruction, and another Masters from Doane University in Educational Leadership. He taught History and Social Studies at Plattsmouth Middle School and Bellevue West. Afterward, he became assistant principal at Abraham Lincoln HS in Council Bluffs, then the principal of Kanesville Alternative Learning Center also in Council Bluffs. He served as assistant principal at Platteview High School for four years and is now in his second year as principal of PHS.
As the principal of PHS the majority of McLaughlin’s job is to respond, answer, and solve sudden and impromptu problems. Types of issues can range from a sudden meeting to having to sub for a teacher or filling out paperwork. At the start of each day he makes a list of things he wishes to accomplish. While he typically has a meeting during first period, Mondays are office staff meetings, Tuesdays are meetings with the core department teachers, and Wednesdays are district level meetings. Fortunately, Thursdays are typically flexible, but Fridays are school administrative staff meetings.
On weekends McLaughlin attends PHS sports and activities as much as possible. His favorite hobbies during weekends are playing golf, traveling, and going out for dinner.
Throughout the whole week, Mr. McLaughlin’s goal doesn’t change. He states, “My goal at the end of the day is to collaboration with the entire staff, to help foster and maintain a positive school culture where every student has a chance to be successful and is prepared for life after high school.”
While he has many duties to do during the school day, he often has after school duties as well. His main responsibility is supervising after school events. McLaughlin believes at least one administrative supervisor should attend every event that has major attendance from that school. This involves supervising Platteview students during home and away events and activities. This supervision allows for many opportunities, including communication between school administrators and showing support for the event/activity.
Even though his role as the principal likely comes with its pressures, McLaughlin says he wouldn’t change it for the world. He values “Seeing students be successful while watching them grow from (at times) immature freshmen to young adults ready to take the next step in life. It’s the day-to-day interactions and relationships I get to develop with students that make this job so enjoyable.”
