The Board of Education accepted the resignation of Hawley Principal Jo-Ann Peters-Edmondson during its meeting on Monday, December 23.

Ms Peters-Edmondson also sent a letter home to Hawley families the previous week to announce her decision.

“She really began the discussion last year,” Interim Superintendent of Schools John Reed told the school board. “She met with you, I think, in executive session. She met with [then Superintendent of Schools Janet Robinson], and rather than leave us trying to be looking for a new principal at this time of year, which is not good … she has built into her plans that she will stay on as acting principal for the remainder of the school year.”

Formally, Dr Reed said Ms Peters-Edmondson will be retired as of the end of December, but she will still be in place until the end of the school year.

Accepting Ms Peters-Edmondson’s retirement passed the school board unanimously, and multiple members thanked her for staying for the remaining months of the 2013-14 school year.

As a result of her retirement, as pointed out by BOE Secretary Kathy Hamilton and Dr Reed, Ms Peters-Edmondson will not have health or insurance benefits after her retirement at the end of this month.

“We thank her for staying here,” said BOE member John Vouros.

Ms Peters-Edmondson shared a letter she sent home to Hawley families last week to announce her retirement with The Bee for publication.

Ms Peters-Edmondson’s Letter To Hawley Families

Dear Hawley Families,

Fifteen years ago I was offered the opportunity to come to Newtown as the principal of Hawley Elementary School. This decision proved to be the most wonderful experience of my professional life.

Not only has Newtown been my professional home but has also been my community, the place where my daughters have grown up and attended school. My family and I are most fortunate to have been a part of the Newtown Community and this wonderful school district.

As I complete my 34th year in education, I have come to the decision that it is time to retire effective December 31, 2013. However, I have been asked to remain as interim principal until the end of the academic school year June 2014. It is with pleasure that I have accepted the offer to continue in the position until the end of the school year.

I know that all the success I have enjoyed has been achieved in full partnership with the outstanding professionals at Hawley. The highly dedicated certified and non-certified staff has provided an incredible learning community that is warm and nurturing for all students. Our children are amazing, entering school with tremendous energy and enthusiasm, eager to learn and please. I am deeply indebted to the parents and families for their unwavering support and commitment to our school.

While this decision is bitter-sweet and with mixed emotions, I believe it is the right time for me to pass the torch to the next leader of our school. We have learned many lessons over the last year but the most important one is that Newtown is a special community filled with wonderful people. I am very proud of what we have accomplished and it has been a privilege and an honor to have served as the principal of Hawley Elementary School. I will hold dear to my heart wonderful memories, experiences, and friendships from my tenure with Newtown Public Schools.

With sincere gratitude,

Jo-Ann