Dear Ellington Family –
I am pleased to announce the promotion of three Ellington Public School educators to leadership positions for the start of the 2019 – 2020 school year. This means in the last two years that Ellington has promoted a total of five educational leaders.
Each educator went through a hiring process interviewing with a search committee comprised of Board of Education members, teachers, parents, students and administrators. The educators also interviewed with the Board of Education.
Ellington High School Assistant Principal
Ms. Elizabeth Cole has served Ellington since 2013 as our K-12 STEM Curriculum Supervisor. Previously, Ms. Cole was the Science Department Coordinator for Valley Regional High School in Deep River. She is currently an adjunct professor at Central Connecticut State University and is a national professional development facilitator for the Next Generation Science standards. Ms. Cole holds a 6th year in Educational Leadership from the University of Connecticut, two Masters degrees from Purdue University and American University, and completed her undergraduate degree at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.
Ellington Middle School Co-Principal
With two decades of experience, Ms. Michele Murray has served Ellington since 2013 as our K-12 Curriculum Supervisor for English, Social Studies and World Language. Previously, Ms. Murray was an English teacher and team leader at the middle school level for the Wethersfield Public Schools and Plainville Public Schools. She is currently an adjunct professor for Central Connecticut State University. Ms. Murray holds a 6th year in Administration from Sacred Heart University, a Masters degree in Education from Saint Joseph College and completed her undergraduate work at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts.
Ellington Middle School Co-Principal
Mr. Michael Nash has served the Ellington Public Schools his entire career. Currently, he is the assistant principal for both Ellington High and Middle Schools. Previously, Mr. Nash was an instructional technology specialist and middle school social studies teacher. Mr. Nash has been employed by the Monroe Public Schools as a contracted staff developer for a variety of educational topics. He holds a 6th year and Masters from the University of Connecticut in Educational Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Rhode Island.
Notes on the Co-Principal Model
We are thrilled to introduce the co-principal structure as it will allow Mr. Nash and Ms. Murray to complement each other's leadership skills and style for the benefit of Ellington Middle School.
- The concept developed as a result of the principal search process and will work similarly to the principal and assistant principal model.
- The dual leadership model will save the school district between 10 and 20 K over the next two school years and will be cost neutral thereafter.
- Mr. Nash and Ms. Murray, having worked closely together the past six years at Ellington Middle and High Schools, are well suited for this approach.
- The Board of Education was briefed by Mr. Nash and Ms. Murray on the co-principal approach.
- Mr. Nash and Ms. Murray will be soliciting input from staff, parents and students regarding best practices when implementing the model.
- The Board of Education will be regularly briefed on the development and implementation of the co-principal model.
This is a very exciting time for the Ellington Public Schools and especially Ellington Middle School. Co-Principals Nash and Murray will continue the great leadership of David Pearson and the overall outstanding education middle school students have received. Their understanding of Ellington High School and close working relationship not only with Ms. Cole but also Ellington High School Principal John Guidry and Assistant Principal Rebecca Aldred will ensure a smooth transition from grades 8 to 9.
Dr. Scott V. Nicol, Superintendent