James P. Ford is principal at Henry D. Sheldon High School in Eugene. Under his leadership, Sheldon has emerged as one of Oregon's most innovative high schools and last year received a 2020 school improvement grant. Open and candid communication with staff and parents is one of his key goals, as is recognition of student achievement; each spring, Sheldon holds an "Academy Awards Night" to honor outstanding students. A nationally recognized speaker and consultant on school restructuring, and Oregon Principal of the Year in 1989, he is also a previous winner of the National School Public Relations Association Golden Achievement Award. An insatiable reader, he has organized a staff book club which meets regularly to discuss new ideas in education and rethink their school's operation.
1976 University of Southern California, M.A.
