Elementary Principal Stepping Down After 33 Years In Chester

CHESTER, NJ — After more than 30 years in education and 10 years as principal of Bragg School Michele Stanton is ready to retire.

As she wraps up her tenure and prepares to step down in July, Stanton spoke with Patch about her time within the district.

Stanton began her career within the Chester School District 33 years ago, and since then she has worked as a teacher, math coach, dean of students, supervisor of instruction and currently, as the principal of Bragg School.

"I have been with the Chester School District for 33 years in a variety of capacities and I have scholars who are the children of my former students. We have accomplished so many wonderful things... and I know we are in a good place right now," Stanton said while discussing her choice to step down.

Stanton also stated that she plans to use her newfound freedom in retirement to visit and support family and friends who live outside of New Jersey, as well as to explore other avenues of life.

Bragg School, located at 250 Route 24 in Chester, is a highly rated public school with 325 students in grades 3-5 and an 8-to-1 student-teacher ratio.

"Stanton is a dynamic and dedicated educator who always puts children first and has been a champion of Chester's children since 1989. She is one of the most hard-working, creative and energetic educators I have ever worked with and has left a long-standing positive impact on Chester's children that will last for years to come," Superintendent of Schools Christina Van Woert told Patch.

"She has lived a life of noble purpose devoted to making the lives of the children and families she touched even better. In this, she has succeeded beyond all expectations. She will be sorely missed, and we are grateful to her and her family for sharing her talents with us for so long."

When asked what she has learned as an educator and principal, Stanton stated that the most important lesson she has learned is to listen more and consider her place in a conversation.

"There are always two sides to every story, and to seek to understand first. I have learned that everyone, adults and children, learn differently and come to all situations with their own perspectives, and how important it is to be respectful of that," Stanton said.

Stanton plans to step down in July, and no official word has been made about a potential replacement.

"I know that Bragg will continue to be an amazing place to learn because the staff is incredible. I hope everyone continues to be curious and not do things just because we’ve always done it that way. I have great respect for and faith in the community both inside and outside the school and am sure Bragg will continue to be an incredible place to learn and work," Stanton said.