Gary Bugash

Principal, Brian and Teri Cram Middle School, CCSD
Executive Leadership Academy, Cohort 6

My name is Gary Bugash, and I am currently in my twenty-seventh year in the Clark County School District. Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of serving in various roles, including Social Studies Teacher, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and Principal. I am currently in my eleventh year as the Principal of Brian and Teri Cram Middle School, where I’ve had the opportunity to create lasting impacts on both the academic and extracurricular landscape of the school.

One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of during my tenure at Cram Middle School is the creation of the Cram Academy for Technology and the Arts (CATA), which provides a specialized focus on the arts and technology. This program allows our sixth-grade students to choose from a variety of classes, including band, choir, orchestra, guitar, piano, and technology. This unique structure not only gives students a chance to immerse themselves in their program of choice but also sets them on a pathway for success throughout their middle school years. Additionally, for the past ten years, Cram Middle School has operated on a block schedule, which allows students to spend seventy minutes each day in these elective classes, providing ample time to refine their skills. Our Fine Arts department boasts over twenty years of teaching experience, and we take great pride in our award-winning programs that highlight the talent and dedication of our students and staff.

Academically, we have placed a strong emphasis on preparing students for high school and beyond. As part of our commitment to academic excellence, I have implemented a program where our math teachers visit feeder elementary schools to teach selected fifth-grade students Math 6 Accelerated. This initiative helps ensure that these students are on track to take Geometry in eighth grade, and by the time they leave Cram Middle School, they have earned two high school credits. This sets the foundation for them to pursue advanced courses in high school, such as Calculus, potentially earning college credit as well.

Another area of passion for me throughout my career has been mentorship. For six years, I had the honor of serving as an original design team member for the Leadership Academy, where I worked with aspiring administrators to help them navigate the challenges of their Graduate Programs. In addition, I played a pivotal role in establishing a partnership with UNLV and their Cohort Program for Educational Leadership. Through this partnership, I met with prospective administrators in an informal setting to offer guidance and answer questions. It has always been my belief that helping those around me grow and succeed is the key to my own success. By fostering strong relationships and offering support, I’ve strived to prepare the next generation of leaders in the Clark County School District. This responsibility is one I’ve taken seriously, as I believe that mentoring future administrators is crucial for the continued growth and improvement of our schools.

I brought this same philosophy of mentorship into the leadership team of Cram Middle School. It has been a privilege to assist both teachers and administrators in reaching their professional goals. One of the resources I have used to further this work is the knowledge I gained from the Executive Leadership Academy. This program has had a profound impact on my approach to leadership, and I was eager to share this resource with one of my assistant principals, Mr. Terrence Simmons. Mr. Simmons was selected for this year’s cohort, and he has quickly realized, as I did, that it is the best professional development opportunity I have ever received as an administrator. We are able to take what he learns in the course and apply those concepts to enhance our learning community. Through mentorship and collaboration, I’ve worked closely with Mr. Simmons to help him build his capacity as a leader. Currently, he is supervising our Math Department, and I have worked alongside him to identify areas of instruction that need improvement. Together, we conduct classroom walks and engage in productive discussions about our observations, which helps us coach teachers on refining their instructional practices.

Mentoring Mr. Simmons has also allowed us to build a strong foundation of trust and mutual respect, where we acknowledge that it’s okay not to have all the answers. This openness has been key to helping him grow into a more effective leader. Our collaborative approach to leadership, combined with a focus on continuous improvement, has made a positive impact on our school community. I take great pride in seeing the growth of my staff and students, and I remain committed to providing the support and resources necessary for everyone to reach their fullest potential.