On Monday, October 10, Superintendent, Leon Smith, met with Stevenson Elementary SBDM council to receive their input on whether their desire would be to pursue an interim principal or start the interview process for a new principal. They were unanimous in suggesting an interim principal would be the best route to go with the timing of Mrs. Lisa White moving to her new position as our Literacy Outreach Coordinator. Mr. Smith wanted to personally go to SES that afternoon to announce the Interim Principal. However, with the teachers and staff busily preparing for that evening’s Parent night, he chose to make the announcement via email. The email stated: Mrs. Robin Cornelius has applied for and accepted the position of Interim Principal for SES. I am very excited as we take the next step. Mrs. Lisa White has a very important role as our Literacy Outreach Coordinator, and Mrs. Cornelius will have a huge task of transitioning into this position at this particular time of year. Mrs. Cornelius is going to be an outstanding interim for the following reasons:
- First and foremost, she loves this district, our kids, and our staff.
- She really wants to be in Russellville. She isn’t using us as a stepping stone for another district.
- She is very talented and has a very deep understanding of elementary curriculum and instruction.
- She is an outstanding guided-planning and coach for teachers.
- She knows our kids, families, and our staff.
- She understands the PASS program and can continue to facilitate it to make it a very good program for SES.
- She has experience with “Leader in Me” and will provide positive support.
- She is a strong disciplinarian.
- She has very high standards for classroom instruction.
Mrs. Cornelius brings many other strong capabilities to the table. She already understands the system and the schedule. I think it will be a seamless transition. I feel she will give us the consistency and leadership to make a difference. I am asking you as a staff to embrace her and continue to work hard for the rest of the 2016-2017, school year. It is an exciting time to be a Russellville Panther!
Mrs. Cornelius had this to share: “I am so excited to have been selected as the Interim Principal at R.E. Stevenson. I am looking forward to building strong relationships with students, staff, and our families. My passion has always been centered on ”kids first”, and with that in mind, you can expect that I will work diligently with all of our teachers to make sure our students have every opportunity possible to learn and grow academically. I believe in our district motto---Every child, Every day!”