After seven years serving as associate principal of GBN, on July 1, 2015, Dr. John Finan officially stepped into his new role as principal. The longtime Spartan brings with him a storied background in education, including experience teaching, learning - and sometimes, skiing - across both the east and west coasts.
With the school year beginning, Finan said he is looking forward to supporting the GBN community in all of its pursuits, working with students to create pathways to success and working with parents to keep them engaged. As he takes helm of the school, we encourage you to take a few minutes and learn a little bit more about the new head of GBN.
Top four fun facts about Principal Finan
# 4 - He is a Spanish teacher by trade.
Before becoming the associate principal of GBN in 2008, Finan was a Spanish instructor at the high school and college level and received his masters degree in Spanish Studies. His fascination with dialect variations in Spanish and other languages led him to prioritize making "steps to become more international" as one of GBN's top initiatives.
His other educational accolades include serving as the Associate Dean of Liberal Arts for Harper College, obtaining a masters degree in school leadership and recently completing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
# 3 - When he's not attending GBN plays, games, concerts or events, you'll find him on the GBN basketball court.
Finan says his love for basketball translates into playing morning basketball with staff. He stated he has won only 97 percent of his three point shooting contests against Assistant Principal for Student Services Eric Etherton. "I soundly defeated former principal Dr. Pryma in a game of HORSE in 2008," he said. "We never had a rematch."
# 2 - He counts his family and the outdoors as two of his greatest loves.
Though he clearly maintains much respect and admiration for his Spartan family, Finan is also passionate about spending time with his wife and three children. "We have taken many great road trips together all over the country and they are some of my favorite memories," he said. In addition, Finan's love for outdoors has taken him on ski adventures across Colorado, Utah, Northern California and Nevada.
# 1 - He truly believes GBN is the best there is.
"I left a secure community college position because I had the opportunity to become a leader at one the best high schools in the country at GBN," Finan said, reflecting on his transition to GBN in 2008. "GBN is steeped in tradition and truly values the three A's: Academics, Athletics and Activities. Students and parents care deeply about their education and there is a high level of kindness and trust in our community. We have a tremendously talented faculty and staff and I feel fortunate to work with them on a daily basis. When you attend one of our events and see the talents of our Spartans on display, you quickly recognize that it is a very special school."
