By Jennifer Moody
Albany Democrat-Herald | Posted: Monday, October 6, 2008 12:00 am
Teacher, coach and assistant principal Brent Belveal can now add another title to his growing list: The Oregon Business Education Association's 2008 Administrator of the Year.
Belveal taught business for 23 years at South Albany High School. He became an assistant principal at West Albany High School in 2006.
"He's just so deserving of this award, and not only is he deserving as an administrator but as someone who's given 25 years to serving other people, through teaching and coaching and mentoring," said West's principal, Susie Orsborn, who wrote one of the nomination letters for Belveal's award. "He has a gift of working with people."
Belveal will be honored Friday at the association's fall conference in Salem.
"I was a little surprised. Awards aren't really my thing," said Belveal, who learned of the award last week.
"I've been pretty fortunate to work for some good people as a business teacher and with some good people here," he added. "It's hard to look at it (the award) as being about me."
West Albany business teachers Krista Hartman, Joey Running and Susan Miller nominated Belveal for his dedication to their department, making sure they have necessary equipment, software and technical support.
"It is a pleasure to have an administrator who truly understands the intricacies of our department," the three wrote. "At a time when many schools cut or neglect programs due to budget cuts or public apathy, West Albany has actually worked to expand and implement new programs and techniques. Without this advocacy, it is unlikely that West's business program would be in the healthy state it enjoys today."
Business basics should be a critical part of any student's education, Belveal said. The national mortgage crisis is just one indication of the importance of learning to manage a budget, balance a checkbook and keep credit under control.
Belveal hopes one day to see, at minimum, an introductory business class made mandatory at all high schools.
"I think it is a vital life skill for every kid to have," he said.