Departing Principals Sign Off

Two of the school district's three elementary schools will have new principals this year.

Michelle Tynan has decided to step down as principal of North Grafton Elementary School and return to the classroom. She will be replaced by Grafton Elementary School principal Brenda Plainte.

A new principal is already on board at Grafton Middle School. Kristen Gasper has been selected to replace Richard Lind, who left to work in the Bellingham school system.

The departing principals at and expressed their gratitude in heartfelt letters to the school community.

North Grafton Elementary School principal Michelle Tynan explained her decision to leave administration and return to the classroom as a "decision that I have been considering for some time.''

She said that returning to the classroom "will be positive for me and my family. Although I am sad to leave my current position, I am pleased that I will be able to remain with Grafton Public Schools. I will become the remedial math teacher between North and South Grafton Elementary Schools beginning at the end of August.''

She said she was proud to lead North Grafton Elementary School for six years. "I will always cherish the time I spent as part of the North Grafton Elementary School community and I look forward to continuing to work with your children in my new position,'' she said.

Her replacement, Brenda Plainte, will move from her current post as principal of Grafton Elementary School. In her letter, she said she is looking forward to the new challenge.

"My ability to work with a smaller school community will afford me the opportunity to become more closely involved with staff, students, and families,'' she said. "I enjoy being in the classrooms engaged with staff in instructional practice, curriculum development and revision, response to intervention targeted instruction, and providing challenging opportunities for all students.''

She thanked the Grafton Elementary School community for their support.

A search is under way to replace her as principal at Grafton Elementary School.