They are taking the reigns this year as co-principals of Deer Valley High School, which has been in the headlines not only for academic and athletic accomplishments but also for outbreaks of student violence after last year's football home opener and after-school melees in Deer Valley Plaza.
"Of course, we know that all eyes are on us to clean Deer Valley up," said Isadore. "People are watching us, and they're going to see some big changes."
Starting with, both agree, a more cohesive campus. They are rearranging the furniture, literally, to project a sense of equality. The wall connecting their offices will be razed to create one large co-principals' office. The vice principals of each learning academy also will now sit together under one roof.
"By having all the generals in one place, it creates a sense of unity," said Isadore. "We're building a sense of family."
Other changes will include the closing of school gates each day after the morning bell. They'll remain closed throughout the day. Isadore and Bergerhouse insist there will be zero tolerance for students who skip classes or travel off campus.
Brought in this year to replace outgoing principal Jo Ella Allen, Bergerhouse and Isadore come to the dual leadership roles as colleagues, confidants and friends. Both worked together at Deer Valley High nearly five years ago as vice principals before moving onto other locations - Bergerhouse most recently as principal at Park Middle School, and Isadore as principal at Black Diamond Middle School.
"We're best friends. I even called him and woke him up this morning," joked Isadore.
"We finish thoughts for each other; we know what the other is thinking," said Bergerhouse. "If we didn't work so well together, this would never work. I wouldn't have done this with anyone else."
What they are hoping to create among both the students and faculty is a sense of community.
"We're a family here at Deer Valley," said Bergerhouse. "And that's how we are approaching it. Are there problems here? Sure. The reality is that any time you put 3,500 14-to-18-year-olds in one place, you are going to have challenges. But Clarence and I are a team. Shared leadership in education is the cutting edge of change, and we are very positive about it."
Bergerhouse and Isadore will both receive the full principal's salary, eliminating the need for an assistant principal.
Isadore will be in charge of the 9th and 10th graders; Bergerhouse, the 11th and 12th graders.
They plan to be a strong and constant presence both on and off campus.
"We're going to be everywhere," said Bergerhouse. "At the movies, at places like Deer Valley Plaza, and on campus. We're working on developing a strong relationship with the Antioch police, and we're going to strategize to be a pro-active presence on and off campus.
"We're all about the kids. Kids like and need structure, and it's about helping them and truly making a difference in their lives. Things here are going to be new, and different and great. We're very excited about this year."
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