By James Lomuscio
Melissa Kay: will head private American elementary school abroad. WN file photoMelissa Kay, principal at Westport’s Bedford Middle School (BMS) for the past two years, will be leaving effective July 1 to head a private American elementary school on the outskirts of Rome, Italy, Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon said today.
Landon spoke after a posting for Kay’s job was listed on the town website and other education-related sites.
Prior to her appointment to the position at BMS (see WestportNow May 3, 2010), Kay served as principal of Coleytown Middle School for five years. Her job in Italy is a two-year commitment, Landon said.
“She’s a wonderful educator, and she obviously has a very strong background in elementary education,” Landon said. “Because of that, she was the perfect person to put in charge of Bedford Middle School since the transition to middle school went smoothly.
“She also has a broad knowledge of curriculum, a passion for working with children, and she is respected by parents, teachers and administrators equally,” he added.
Landon noted that no mention of Kay leaving was made at last week’s Board of Education meeting since the board did not learn about it until the following day.
He added that Kay’s departure and the need to hire a replacement will have no effect on the 2012-13 school board approved, proposed budget.
According to the job posting, the salary range is $149,429 – $160,955 and the deadline for applying for the job is April 1.
What’s not mentioned in the article is this will be the 4th principal at Bedford in 5 years. This school can’t catch a brake, nor can the kids who have lacked any continuity.
Maybe we can bring Dr. Bell back and while we are at it, bring Mrs. O’Karma back! After dedicating years and years of teaching our kids in the Westport schools, I would hope she would deserve more consideration.
I am REALLY IRKED that they seem to be churning thru PRINCIPALS at BMS (why didn’t they just keep Dr. Bell ?? Apparently he was FABULOUS—we happened to meet him on a number of occasions and he seemed wonderful, engaging, involved—I was also told by a number of BMS PARENTs there was a movement/petition to keep him, which happened just before our kids entered 6th Grade/BMS—so, now we face another transition… WHAT’S THE DEAL HERE ? Middle School is ONLY 3 years… we need to make it the best that we can for our kids… they are tough years, as it is.
BTW, I have absolutely no issues with Ms. Kay either—it just seemed to make sense to stick with Dr. Bell at the time, since he was a “proven winner.”
I also want to concur wholeheartedly with Amy Feder—it appears that Mrs. O’Karma was hustled out of BMS “in the dark of the night”—but despite my best efforts, I am not find out any more information about why she is “taking some personal time” (not by choice is the impression that we are getting). She was a wonderful, nurturing, energetic and inspiring educator by our accounts… my son talks about it EVERY SINGLE DAY… “Where is Mrs. O’Karma?!” QUE PASA ???
I must say I find this all quite concerning. Something must be amiss—that a school with such a great reputation, can’t keep a leader. Someone should do exit interviews, or interview all the leaders who left voluntarily or otherwise, and find out what is “really going on….” Children and the teachers need stability.
Thanks for you response Lisa – I don’t know if you remember me but our son’s met at SIG a few years ago. I also hear EVERY single day, “when is Mrs. O’karma coming back?” I wish I could answer but after e-mails, phone calls, etc, I unfortunately have no additional information. How disturbing that such a gifted teacher is teaching one morning and gone in the afternoon. Our children are so much smarter than the administration gives credit – they understand what happened here and by all counts, enough is enough!!!!! It has been 7 weeks already. It
time to move on and get Mrs. O’Karma back doing what she does best – teach!!! I only hope she wants to return. As for Dr. Bell, he was all of the above. What do the members of the board of ed have to say????
This just emailed to parents…….
March 16, 2012
Dear Parents:
Mrs. O