Communication is big in Sheila Hill's plan for Old Mill High.

The veteran of 30 years in education speaks fluent Spanish and likes to meet face-to-face with staff, parents and students.

On Thursday the seats in her office were arranged in a circle and a meeting with staff members had recently adjourned.

"One of the things I'm really working on is communication. It's just frustrating sometimes when I can't talk to the whole line of people," Ms. Hill said.

She has been busy in these final days before the school year begins next week. Ms. Hill is entering her first year as acting principal at Old Mill High...