New Administration Interview

Cover photo by John Phelan - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=53768437

Bow High School's administrative staff is nearly all new this year!

Matt Fisk is the new principal, Brenda Barth is the new vice principal, and Kate Kulacz is the new counseling department director.

We wanted to give everyone, new to the school or not, a chance to get to know these incredible people better. So, we recently sat down to speak with them about their new roles and their goals for our school moving forward.

“You have worked at BHS previous to your new role. How has that previous experience affected your current role?”

Mr. Fisk found that previous experience in the district as vice principal has given him the ability to know and relate to students, and he doesn’t want that to change at all in his new position. 

Mrs. Barth found her previous experience as a humanities teacher helpful as she knows most of the staff and students at BHS, making it easier for her to navigate her new role. 

Mrs. Kulacz found that being a part of the counseling department for the past 9 years and being able to witness how certain programs affect students has helped her to see things from a new perspective and work more effectively under her new role.

“What journey has brought you here?”

Mr. Fisk started out teaching social studies at Concord High School. He later worked at New Hampton, where he taught social studies for three years, then became Academic Dean for six years. His main reason for switching to Bow High School was because he needed a change. He wanted to work at a public high school where staff could make a larger impact. 

Mrs. Barth found herself about to leave teaching in 2001 at the end of her contract at another school. Bow High School contacted her, encouraging her to check it out. She says the educational philosophy, the community, and learning opportunities for both students and teachers really interested her. 

Mrs. Kulacz worked at a very traditional high school, and was also looking for a change when she found Bow High School. She really enjoys working with students, and specified that she likes “helping them get where they want to go.” 

“What excited you about your new role?”

Mr. Fisk answered that he wants to positively impact the climate and culture of our school, as well as set up and help students succeed in their most passionate and talented areas. 

Mrs. Barth highlighted how she’s extremely fond of the differences in and puzzles of every day. She also stressed how much she enjoys working with the amazing admin, staff and teachers outside of her usual discipline (in other words, different departments). 

Mrs. Kulacz finds that helping others in her department grow is extremely rewarding to her, and she is always looking to improve. She enjoys helping students in the same way; she enjoys watching and helping them grow both as students and as people.

“Do you have any long term goals, (at BHS or outside of school)?” 

Mr. Fisk’s long term goal is that he wants students to look back at their high school experience and see both challenge and support from adults in the building. He stated, “Personal goals include staying at BHS and ending my career here… Or until Mrs. Barth overthrows me and takes the crown.” 

Mrs. Barth highlighted the fact that this is year one, so besides overthrowing Mr. Fisk, she hopes to establish herself and thrive in her new role. She also wants to find focus in student support and restorative practices. 

Mrs. Kulacz’s major long term goal is to settle into her new role and continue building programs to fit student needs. She also wants to improve as much as possible for BHS.

“What was your favorite subject in high school? What clubs were you in?” 

Mr. Fisk’s two favorite subjects were music and social studies, and he participated in band, chorus, and theater. He also mentioned that when he had spare time he was usually working at Staples. 

Mrs. Barth said she didn't have a favorite subject, but enjoyed learning from all aspects. She participated in gymnastics and the Yearbook Club. 

Mrs. Kulacz said she has always loved science classes. She also participated in Adventure Club and Student Government.

“How do you enjoy your free time?” 

Mr. Fisk spends time running, spending time with his kids, and hanging out with his dog, Jasper. 

Mrs. Barth enjoys her free time reading, connecting with nature, spending time with family, and hanging out with her dog, Wrigley. 

Mrs. Kulacz loves cycling, and can often be found spending time with her sons.

“Is there anything else you’d like to share?”

Mr. Fisk shared that he always assumes the best intentions, and wishes all students would do the same, and give grace when mistakes are made.

Mrs. Barth mentioned that it took her a long time to get to this point, and is very happy to be here now.

Mrs. Kulacz wanted everyone to know that she’s always here to help, as well as everyone in the counseling department.

As our interview came to a close, the three came up with their own question: “If you were in the superhero multiverse, which superhero would you be?”  Mr. Fisk said he would be Iron Man, Mrs. Barth said she would be Thor, and Mrs. Kulacz said she would be Black Widow. 

No matter how you look at it, it’s clear that these three superheroes are eager to help all Bow High School students, so if you see any of these people be sure to say hi and thank them for their hard work!