In a surprising announcement today, Bernice Mills will be taking over as the new principal of Thetford Elementary School (TES), replacing Chance Lindsley, who is resigning after a tenure that began in July 2019.
Lindsley made his decision public through an email to the school community on February 10, only minutes after the announcement was made by Orange East Supervisory Union (OESU) Superintendent Emilie Knisley.
The announcement of Lindsley’s resignation caught many parents by surprise, especially since the school’s Principal position was already publicly advertised before any official announcement was made.
In her email, Knisley confirmed Lindsley’s decision to leave but reassured the community that the hiring process had already begun, with the new principal set to start on July 1st.
Lindsley’s resignation email was brief, stating that he would finish the school year before moving on to a new adventure with his family.
“Thank you all for being so supportive, especially through my rough tenure! I’m grateful to have shared time with you and wish you all the best,” he wrote.
The Search for a New Principal
The process of finding a replacement moved quickly. The TES School Board held a public forum on March 25 to introduce the community to the two finalists: Bernice Mills from Fairlee, VT, and Erika Schneider, a Thetford resident.
Mills, who is currently the Student Services Coordinator for OESU, has over a decade of experience as a principal, along with years of experience as a Special Educator.
Schneider, on the other hand, is still working toward her Principal Certification through the Upper Valley Educators Institute (UVEI) and is currently serving as an Instructional Coach in Hartford, VT.
Community Concerns and Discussion
During the forum, community members, including parents, former parents, and future parents, spent 90 minutes discussing issues like inclusivity, communication, and community involvement.
One of the key questions asked was, “How long do you plan to stay in this position?” Mills responded confidently, saying she could easily see herself staying at TES for the next ten years.
She explained that the transition would be smooth because she already had strong relationships with the staff, having stepped in temporarily during Lindsley’s recent absence.
This revelation raised eyebrows, as many parents were unaware that Lindsley was on a short personal leave.
Melanie Rhoads, the Director of Human Resources for OESU, clarified that she could not elaborate on Lindsley’s leave but mentioned the administrative challenges caused by the Superintendent’s personal leave.
The next day, Lindsley clarified his absence in a school newsletter, explaining he had undergone unexpected shoulder surgery and would hopefully return by the end of the following week.
Despite the clarification, the lack of prior communication about Lindsley’s leave was criticized by parents, pointing to a communication failure that led to frustration and confusion.
The apparent lack of transparency about Lindsley’s departure and leave of absence only heightened concerns about how information is shared within the school community.
Building Relationships and Communication
Mills, during her forum, emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with families, staff, and the broader community.
She said that in her first year, her priority would be to establish these connections, which she believes are essential for fostering a positive school environment.
She noted that it wasn’t just the parents of current students who benefit from community involvement, but also non-parents, future parents, and alumni.
For Mills, communication and connection will be key to her success in leading TES.
Final Thoughts on Lindsley’s Legacy
While the transition from Lindsley to Mills is happening amidst some uncertainties, there is no doubt that Lindsley’s leadership left a lasting impact on TES.
His approach to leadership was both humble and engaging. Lindsley’s positivity, presence, and focus on personal growth were qualities that earned him the respect and admiration of the TES community.
His ability to lead by example, listen, and show gratitude is something that will be remembered by many.
