The school has cleared the federal government's benchmarks for language arts and math each year since 2002, the beginning of No Child Left Behind. But that first year Lindon's clearance came only after the Alpine School District granted the school's appeal.

"Even if we were doing fantastic, (reading) would be a big push at school," Theler said.

Theler heads down the hall to the makeshift photo studio for picture day. On the way, he finds a student leaning against a wall.

"James, what are you doing here," he asks the student.

The boy is clearly playing hooky but rambles on about his friends and ultimately answers, "I don't know."

Theler escorts the boy back to his classroom and then asks the photographer if she needs anything.

"Did you guys smile?" he asks a group of upper-grade students, who answer apathetically, "No."

Lindon Elementary counts about 575 students in preschool through sixth grade, about 1,000 parents and 60 full- and part-time staffers.

The toughest part of being a principal is "trying to find a middle ground to keep everyone happy," Theler said.

Carolyn Johnson, principal at Lehi's Meadow Elementary, completed a master's degree with Theler at Brigham Young University.

"He's an incredible team player, and he's very creative," she said. "I think one of the things that stands out in my mind is he is absolutely dedicated to student achievement."

As Theler heads back to his office, a district repairman talks to him about a broken light. Back in the officer there are questions about a budget and the upcoming school carnival.

"I've always had a lot of energy," Theler said.

"I hope you always do," school secretary Sandy Larsen jokes in response.

---

E-mail: lhancock@desnews.com