Story Tools

Email this story | Print this story

Indexes

Today's Stories

Last 7 Days

Top Blogs

• Despite an increase in homeless students, school districts look to bolster enrollment, raise revenue

• Despite budget cuts, some Lodi Unified School District salaries continue to rise

• Watchful neighbor in Lodi helped bust suspected burglars

• New Galt city manager juggles job, family

• A first look at 2009 vintages at Lodi's First Sip wine-tasting event

• Regional Roundup

• Galt school district narrows superintendent search to one

February 9th, 2010

• Middle College High School rated one of the best — and a bargain, to boot

• Lodi decathlon boasts top team in county

• Man who sparked counterfeit case pleads guilty

• Local businessman will visit Haiti to look for family

• Man who claimed to be Yosemite Sam pleads guilty to meth charge

• David Harmer seeks Republican congressional nod

• Lack of evidence in case against suspect in 'drug deal' stabbing

• Regional Roundup

February 8th, 2010

• Public Meetings

• Locals pick best, most memorable Super Bowl commercials

• Regional Roundup

February 6th, 2010

• The Home Depot hopes to join Costco at Reynolds Ranch

• Meet Larry, Curly and Moe

• Baboon business

• Regional Roundup

• Several Lodi venues let you watch the Super Bowl in style

• Lodi Library celebrates 100 years of serving the community

• Culinary craft

February 5th, 2010

• Kids, teachers help Haiti by collecting pennies for Learning Link

• Lodi, Galt students reach out to help Haiti earthquake survivors

• Tasered suspect claims he is Yosemite Sam

• Hours of sweat and work go into putting on crab feeds

• Things looking up for state's real estate

• Correction

• Regional Roundup

• Stray bullet strikes Lodi home; police suspect gang activity may be factor

February 4th, 2010

• Managers at Geweke Toyota answer questions about recall

• Lodi City Council votes to replace play structure at Century Park

• Lodi extends ban on pot shops for another year

• Mokelumne River triathlon set for June

• Family, friends to run half-marathon in memory of Galt family

February 3rd, 2010

• Correction

• Delta College trustees again collide over stipend committee

• Bad bugs, weeds are hot topics at Grape Day

• Lodi-area senators Dave Cox, Lois Wolk admit to gifts; Tom Berryhill case pending

• Lodi Unified School District president issues warning to speakers over cuts

• Galt City Council avoids budget cuts — for now

• New Lodi Memorial Hospital emergency room opens to the public without a hitch

• Regional Roundup

February 2nd, 2010

• Local business leaders say tourism, Costco, Home Depot may play roles in city's future

• Correction

• Former Lodian Erica Davis is first paraplegic woman to summit Kilimanjaro

• Regional Roundup

• No snow leopards, otters for Micke Grove

• McNerney leads in campaign cash

• Police: Train victim was a Lodi teen

• Big rig plows 7 cars

• Jumpers across California

The following stories have received the most reader comments during the last 7 days.

• Will terrorists be given Miranda warnings? (75)
• Lodi Unified School District president issues warning to speakers over cuts (64)
• President Obama's first year (45)
• Many reject the politics of 'no' (45)
• Islamic symbol in mosaic — what is all the fuss? (44)
• Writer comments on Neely column (42)
• The Home Depot hopes to join Costco at Reynolds Ranch (41)
• Time to shed the convenient sham of 'Don't ask, don't tell' policy (34)
• We need to conduct respectful conversations (30)
• Tasered suspect claims he is Yosemite Sam (25)

ADVERTISEMENT

New Lodi High principal Robert Lofsted honed his people skills as a Bay Area bus driver

What does a man who drove a Bay Area transit bus have in common with Lodi High School?

He's their new principal, Robert Lofsted.

"It's true that I probably made more money driving a bus than working in education," said the 56-year-old administrator. "But my pleasure comes from working with people, not money."

Lofsted attributes his love for humanity to his upbringing. His parents were missionaries in Peru and emphasized the value of life. Growing up with native peoples of the area until 18 years of age, he learned their language, culture and customs. "They are people who put value on each other, not material things," he said.

Lofsted attended Nyack College in New York and graduated in 1977. He's been married for 28 years and has one daughter.

"There are a lot of college graduates driving those buses," he remarked. "I had to do it in order to pay off my school loans." This non-school experience helped strengthen valuable people skills. His fluent Spanish-speaking ability helped as well.

Lofsted began his educational career as a social studies teacher at Tokay High School. He later became an assistant principal and soon was promoted to the vice principal's job at Lodi High.

Seeing the new principal's office was a surprise. It is now in a smaller, former conference room. The change speaks volumes about Lofsted's view of people and his obvious humility. There is no need for grandiosity.

"My administrative philosophy is not complicated. I'm a simple man," he said. "A leader must put full faith and trust in the people who work for him. Without that, nothing gets accomplished."

Lofsted also quoted a former education professor, who stated: "Leap from the bottom where possible, but only from the top when necessary."

This was a reference to using the full capacities, skills and experiences of everyday workers.

Other things Lofsted had to say about his philosophy were: "Cooperation and collaboration are keys to a successful organization. A positive work environment is important. Team morale is a must."

I remember working with him at Lodi High from 2002-05. He was my immediate supervisor. He's a man who has lived by stated principles and is respectful to everyone.

This certainly explains the practically unanimous approval by teachers, counselors, support staff, parents and students of the new administrative leader. "Bob's ability to see the big picture and how one thing affects another is a unique gift," said Lodi High counselor Lyndon Blodgett. "This is the main reason we are happy he got the job."

The Lodi High School staff appears to welcome a change and is looking forward to a new working relationship with their top school administrator. Their former principal, Bill Atterberry, has been promoted to assistant superintendent of secondary education.

At the conclusion of my interview, Lofsted escorted me to the door. With a quiet voice, he said in sincerity, "I hope you don't have anything negative to say about me."

Don't worry, Bob. From what your faculty is telling me, I don't think that's possible — even if I tried.

Steve Hansen is a Lodi writer.