Former Falls High School Principal Don Stadum turns 90 Feb. 4.
During his tenure as FHS principal from the late 1960s to mid-1980s, his main purpose was to be competent, caring and charismatic in his job and in his life, according to his daughter, Kate Stadum King.
In recognition of his commitment to the community and a birthday milestone, a celebration hosted by his wife Pat Stadum, and children David Stadum and Kate Stadum King is planned Jan. 30 in Fridley.
Stadum King said her father received many commendations while serving as FHS principal, such as “Boss of the Year” and from the state of Minnesota.
Stadum King explains her father’s philosophy: “Every few years my dad would attend a national administrator convention held in San Diego, Calif. Many principals attended and he became fast friends with many. But he was confused as most of them ‘skipped out’ of the sessions; he was there to learn new skills and methods for becoming a better high school administration, not to treat it as party time.”
“I didn’t miss anything,” she reports her father saying of the conferences. “The community paid for me to go and it isn’t right to leave the convention having missed most of the classes.”
“His philosophy is deeply rooted in our family, as we try to emulate his beliefs and ideals,” said Stadum King.
At another point in his career, he was faced with a decision that could have cost him his job, relayed Stadum King.
“But his wisdom and courage solved the problem,” she said.”A literature teacher introduced a new compelling book for his students to read. Some parents objected to the content and requested that it be removed as required reading from the classroom.”
Stadum King said holding a community forum was the only solution he believed would work.
“He spoke at length agreeing with many of the upset parents, but standing firmly that the book would not be censored entirely from the classroom,” Stadum King said. “Many parents and students wanted the book to remain. Committed to non censorship, while also meeting the needs of the concerned parents, he saw an opportunity to bridge the gap so strongly held between both parties.”
The result of the forum? A list of required reading would be given to all students and parents. “If even one parent objected, an alternative book would be offered to their child, in tandem with the other assigned pieces of literature,” she said. “The solution derived pleased both parties. The community felt they had been heard.”
These examples are only a part Stadum’s achievements.
“He had high expectations for himself and others,” Stadum King said. “He trusted his teachers and students to do their best work, to become contributors to their families and communities.”
