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QPS Educator & Staff Spotlight: A Q&A with Richard Pugh, Baldwin Elementary Principal

What inspired you to pursue a career in education, and what has kept you passionate about this work?

I graduated from Culver-Stockton College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Criminal Justice.

After graduation, I was processing if I should go into law enforcement or pursue a career in accounting.  While pondering this decision, I eventually began work at Chaddock.  While working at Chaddock, I started making connections with the youth and realized I enjoyed working with them. I eventually went back to school at Quincy University to get certified as a teacher.  Later on, I returned to Quincy University to obtain an administrative endorsement.

I have enjoyed working with students, families, and staff over the years. My goal is to help students and staff be the best they can be. I want students and staff to optimize their potential so they can positively impact their families, community, and nation. If we all can make a positive impact in our sphere of influence, I believe positive change can happen. We should strive to be amicable to everyone, even when there are disagreements. When we are interacting with others out of anger or strife, typically good things will not occur.

All of us can be influential.  It does not matter where you work or what you do, you can always make a concerted effort to be encouraging, uplifting, and have a desire to help others.

Over the years, students and families have talked to me about how I have positively impacted them. I have reflected on these comments and it continues to make me realize the work I need to do to help others. My focus is to support families, students, and school staff.

What drew you to Baldwin Elementary School and the Quincy Public Schools community?

I have previously been a teacher and administrator for Quincy Public Schools. I have been a resident of Quincy for 31 years.  All of my children attend or have attended Quincy Public Schools. Thomas S. Baldwin is a good school with great staff and supporting families.  I thought it would be a good transition in helping to guide students and staff.

What are your top priorities as you begin your role as principal at Baldwin?

I have already been in Thomas S. Baldwin to see students, meet teachers and staff, observe systems, and attend meetings.  I want to continue this process throughout the spring. I also want to make connections with families. I will continue to talk with Mr. Sohn and the administrative team about priorities.

What role do families and the broader community play in your vision for Baldwin Elementary?

We hall have to work in concert to support our families, students, and staff. If we can work together as a community in unity to support each other, phenomenal things can occur.

Outside of school, what would you like the Baldwin community to know about you?

I like to exercise, watch college sports, and watch my kids participate in activities.