"I haven't learned all of the children's names yet," Basinger says with some tentativeness, unaware that many administrators make the goal of accomplishing this by the year's—not month's—end.

Basinger has set her sights high, wasting no time in getting to know students while also making the rounds with teachers and parents, a process she has found to be very encouraging.

"There is a high level of professionalism here and a highly experienced staff," Basinger says. "The parents are supportive, the children are respectful and high achievers. The community really comes together here."

Basinger has been involved in education for 33 years, 18 of which were spent as a teacher. She has taught every grade between second and eighth, but has mainly focused on fourth through sixth grades.

A California native, with both bachelor's and master's degrees in education, Basinger began her teaching career in Redwood City, moving relatively quickly onto the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. Basinger then transferred to Boulder Creek Elementary, where she taught for several years. She moved once more within the district, to San Lorenzo Valley Elementary. It was there that her career in administration began.

"I had a fabulous mentor," Basinger says of Craig Barker, the principal of San Lorenzo Valley, who encouraged her to go into administration.

Taking his lessons to heart, Basinger became an intern, assistant principal and then principal of the school in 1989, a position she held until her move to Los Gatos this year.

"It was very hard to leave. We accomplished so much for the school," Basinger says. "But the offer from Blossom Hill was an offer I couldn't refuse, and I had been looking at this district for some time."

Basinger is enjoying her immersion into the Los Gatos Union School District, relieved to find "such a welcoming, professional environment," which has prevented homesickness.

"Everyone was very welcoming, warm and supportive. That really helped me get focused on what needs to be done here."

Continuous improvement is what Basinger would like to see for Blossom Hill and the district at large. There are several new programs that Blossom Hill is initiating, including a conflict resolution program, a literacy program and an art program that hosts an artist to teach children while also providing art lesson plans for teachers.

The school recently installed a computer lab, which is near completion. The lab will house 30 computers, one printer and television equipment to provide third- through fifth-grade classes an opportunity to improve computer skills while working on classroom projects.

Basinger is excited about all of the new developments and is hoping the new programs and curriculum will boost the opportunity for more academic growth.

"It is a very high-performing school," Basinger says, "so showing steady improvement might be the hardest task facing us. But we can focus on the minor aspects and constantly polish and refine our programs."

In addition to parental support and new education tools, Basinger relies on three key techniques for promoting a positive learning environment.

"Whatever you do, make sure it is the best for the children," she says. "That is the basis for any decision. The children are why we are all here."

Basinger also believes in hiring the best staff possible, as it is "the most important element in the day-to-day business of schools." She believes in encouraging and supporting the teachers but at the same time says that "it is very important to get out of their way."

"Backing off is not difficult once you see how it pays off," Basinger notes. "Rely on teachers, because that will feed into the richness of the school."

This is not to say that a principal's or administrator's role should be inactive or lackadaisical. On the contrary, Basinger believes the most important tool for effectiveness is to keep in the thick of things.

"Don't ever think you are done," she says. "There is no place for being complacent in education. You can be proud, but you can never say you are finished. It is a continuous effort."