The departure of a beloved elementary school principal has resulted in an innovative redesign in leadership for the two New Albany-Plain Local elementary schools.
“Changes in our elementary leadership provided an important opportunity to consider a new, innovative leadership plan,” said Superintendent April Domine. “A new Elementary Head of School will serve as head principal of the 2-5 building and provide leadership for the educational program in grades K-5.”
Superintendent Domine’s transition plan follows Dr. Madeline Partlow’s announcement that she will become the principal at Colonial Hills Elementary School in the Worthington City Schools district, effective August 1.
Dr. Partlow has served the New Albany-Plain Local Schools for 19 years. In that time, she has served as the district’s Director of Teaching and Learning, and most recently, as the 4-5 Principal at the New Albany 2-5 Elementary School.
“Dr. Partlow’s leadership impact on this district has been extraordinary”, Superintendent Domine shared. “Over the years, she has led our district through extensive curriculum, assessment, instruction, special education and gifted work. Dr. Partlow has given immeasurable time and effort to support our students and staff. She will be missed and we hope the entire community will join us in congratulating her on her professional accomplishments.”
“Because we spent several months searching for a strong leader for the 2-5 elementary school, it was apparent that Jennifer Denny, previously selected for the K-1 principal position, is the best candidate for the Elementary Head of School position,” Mrs. Domine has announced. “With her extensive experience as a District Elementary Curriculum Administrator and an Elementary Principal, and her knowledge of research and national school reform, Mrs. Denny will be an excellent choice for the Elementary Head of School position.”
Our next step is to fill the K-1 Principal position. The district plans to conduct interviews in May.
Another key goal in this leadership redesign is to strengthen and increase our leadership for gifted education. With a high achieving overall population and almost thirty percent of our students identified as gifted, the district has decided to create a gifted coordinator position. This individual will coordinate testing, identification and communication as well as the implementation of recommendations resulting from the Vanderbilt University study currently being conducted of the district’s gifted program. Robin Ryan, currently the 2-3 Elementary Principal, will be the Gifted Coordinator beginning in the 2012-2013 school year. Mrs. Ryan has extensive experience teaching gifted students. “Enhancing our gifted program will benefit not only our gifted students but all students as we infuse innovative learning models and increased rigor into our program,” added Mrs. Domine.
The principal positions being vacated by Madeline Partlow and Robin Ryan will be converted to assistant principal positions at the 2-5 elementary school. Interviews for these positions will be held in early June.