Central Middle School principal Shelley Somers has bowed out of consideration as Staples High School’s new principal.
In an email to parents, the lone finalist for the position said:
Good morning. After a long day yesterday at Staples High School, I have withdrawn my name for consideration for the principal position. As I talked with the various groups of stakeholders in Westport, I realized how important Central and Greenwich are to me.
I look forward to working to create a safe and challenging environment at Central Middle School that meets the needs of all of our students. I feel certain that in collaboration with you, my leadership team, and my teachers and staff, Central will continue to grow and to thrive.
Shelley Somers at Staples yesterday. She has withdrawn from consideration as Staples’ next principal.
Westport superintendent of schools Dr. Elliott Landon said:
I think this is a tremendous loss to the children, staff and families of Westport. The search committee and I unanimously recommended Shelley Somers because we had great faith that she would continue the great tradition established by John Dodig.
Landon said that the search for a successor to Dodig — who retires in June after 11 years as Staples’ principal — will now focus on an interim appointment.
Landon said that the interim principal would not be someone from inside the Westport school system. “Choosing someone from inside does not allow for a full and open process” when a choice is then made for a permanent principal, he said.
However, he noted, current district administrators and employees are welcome to be part of the search process.