After spending four years working alongside each other as assistant principals, John Saras and Brandon Whitfield have developed a mutual understanding, making it easy for them to work together as Baldwin’s first co-principals.
“We understand one another. We understand our (own) strengths, but we also understand each other’s strengths,” Whitfield said.
Following Shaun Tomaszewski’s departure to serve as the executive director of curriculum, assessment, and innovation at East Allegheny School District, Whitfield and Saras have stepped into co-principal roles at Baldwin.
Because of their familiarity with each other, when Supt. Dr. Randal Lutz talked to them about working together, they both agreed.
“(Lutz) approached us about the idea of doing it and sat us down and asked us, ‘What strengths does the other one bring?’ and essentially, do we think that this is something that he and I could make work?” Whitfield said.
With the co-principal model, they divide the responsibilities. For example, when preparing for this school year, Saras focused more of his time on the master schedule, while Whitfield focused on Highlander Time.
“For me, it’s logistics: I’m a numbers guy. I’m a math guy,” Saras said. “I enjoy numbers and things that make the operation go.”
While Saras deals with the behind-the-scenes operations, Whitfield has taken a more outward role with a connection to the student body.
“On my side, it’s more culture, relationships, people – those are big things I enjoy,” Whitfield said.
Whitfield believes the co-principal model is favorable to having a solo principal because of the opportunity to communicate and gain additional perspectives before making decisions.
“We can collaborate at all times because whatever happens at Baldwin High School falls on our shoulders,” Whitfield said. “Not just his shoulders, not just my shoulders – but our shoulders.”
Denise Wells remained as assistant principal this school year. Wells feels the co-principal model has brought more collaboration within the leadership team.
“A benefit is that there’s collaboration. You feel like you’re supported,” Wells said.
She also said Whitfield and Saras bring out the best in each other due to their different characteristics.
“Mr. Saras brings a lot of experience, and he’s very well thought out and organized. Mr. Whitfield brings energy, and he likes to try anything. Before one thing is done, he’s already moving on,” Wells said. “Together they make a good partnership because they make each other think.”
One of Wells’ goals is to guide this year’s freshmen in a positive direction and shape their high school career for the better.
“My top priority is to make sure that our freshmen … lay the groundwork, so they can move through Baldwin and have the best experience they can,” Wells said.
Wells also wants to make the culture and energy at Baldwin the best that it can be, she said.
Outside of their jobs as co-principals, both Saras and Whitfield enjoy playing sports and spending time with their families.
“I spend a lot of time with my two children, and I coach both of their baseball teams,” Whitfield said. “Every once in a while, Mr. Saras and I get to go out and golf together.”
Saras’ and Whitfield’s children sometimes get together to play, and it is cool to watch both of their families grow up together, Whitfield said.
Saras has similar interests.
“I’m a sports guy. I enjoy playing golf when I can. But family is the best and most important thing,” Saras said.
