PELHAM — A special education teacher and a school counselor will be sharing leadership duties at Pelham Elementary School for the 2021-2022 school year.
Micki Darling, who has taught special education in Pelham for several years, and counselor Jessica Nardizzi were recently appointed as co-leaders by Superintendent Michael Morris.
They will replace Leigh Whiting-Jones, who served one year in the principal role before announcing her departure.
Morris told the Pelham School Committee recently that the decision not to search for a new principal, made in consultation with staff, was based on the likely slim pool of candidates at this time of year.
The co-leaders, he said, will provide stability and be able to hit the ground running because they know the school and the community, and both have academic and leadership skills.
“I’m really excited,” Morris said. “I think they’re going to bring a lot to the Pelham school community. They already do.”
Darling has received an emergency licensure from the state, while Nardizzi will have various administrative tasks.
School Committee members said they appreciated the decision. Sarahbess Kenney said the co-leadership model seemed like a good idea and both staff members are good choices for the new roles, while Chairwoman Sarah Hall called the plan thoughtful and appropriate for the school.
