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Message from the Columbia Heights Board of Education
December 17, 2019
Dear Columbia Heights Public Schools Staff, Families and Community Members,
On Tuesday, December 17 the Columbia Heights Public Schools Board of Education formally accepted the retirement of Superintendent Kathy L. Kelly effective June 30, 2020.
The School Board unanimously recognized the years of service, passion, vision, grace, energy, hard work and commitment that Superintendent Kelly has provided to the District and deeply thanks her for exemplary leadership and partnership, as well as her ability to attract, develop, and retain high quality administration and employees. Columbia Heights Public Schools is a better place to learn and work due, in may ways, to Superintendent Kelly’s presence, persistence, patience, and capacity to show up every morning and do the good and difficult work that needs to be done on a daily basis.
The School Board wishes Superintendent Kelly health and a life lived well in her earned retirement and extends to her an open door and warm welcome whenever she may be able to visit.
The District has benefitted from thirteen years of qualified and passionate leadership from Superintendent Kelly and Administration who are committed to excellence in management and consultation, and in partnership with a School Board committed to excellence in governance. The District has been engaged in planning and improvement in all aspects of academic, extra-curricular, operational, cultural, and relational improvement and stabilization.
The District, its students, staff, families, and communities are unique in culture, diversity, history, strengths, and needs. The District needs and will benefit most from leadership with demonstrated capacities, skills and compassion with our students, staff, families and communities.
Since September, based on the above, the School Board has assessed options for Superintendent transition and has fully committed to the process of succession versus a process of search.
The Board seeks competent, qualified, and committed leadership that provides for stability, sustainability, and continuation of our approved plans, goals, initiatives, and vision. The School Board unanimously has approved the appointment of Zena Stenvik as the Superintendent of Columbia Heights Public Schools as of July 1, 2020, and has approved an agreement for her employment as such. Ms. Stenvik resume is attached.
The School Board looks forward to many years of partnership with Ms. Stenvik as we strive to provide excellence in governance, management, and consultation in service to our students, families, employees, and communities.
Sincerely,
Chair John Larkin and the Columbia Heights Public Schools Board of Education