Freedom's new principal adjusts

By KENNETH KNIGHT | The Tampa Tribune Published: February 29, 2012 Updated: February 29, 2012 - 12:00 AM

David Sheppard's first official day as Freedom High's new principal went as he expected.

He described Feb. 20 as "an average, good old hardworking day."

Shortly before 2 p.m., Sheppard, who served as Wharton High's assistant principal of curriculum before his promotion, just had wrapped up a visit with a parent and chatted briefly with Assistant Principal Rosemary Owens.

"It's a whirlwind," Sheppard said, as he tried to grab a quick snack shortly before the end of school.

His day had been filled with meeting teachers and staffers, greeting students and conferencing with a parent or two who wanted to address an issue.

"The conversations I have had and the issues I've dealt with are very similar to an average, good old hardworking day," he said.

"It's been a good start," said the youthful 42-year-old, who replaced Chris Farkas, Freedom's popular former principal. "Most of the staff and several students have welcomed me."

That same day, Farkas started his new job as the school district's first-ever Area 8 leadership director, a post created to help devote more attention to public schools in south Hillsborough County.

Sheppard said he and Farkas were scheduled to meet a few more times during the next week or two to discuss school matters as part of the handoff.

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Freedom's new principal adjusts