Douglas Appointed Berkeley Acting Principal
The Chairman of Governing Body of The Berkeley Institute, Mr. Craig Bridgewater, provided an update on the search for a new school principal to succeed Michelle Simmons who retires at the end of this academic year, and said Keisha Douglas has been appointed Acting Principal.
Mr. Bridgewater said: “The Search and Selection Committee has commenced the review of applications from the most recent recruitment drive; however, as the process requires the active involvement of staff, students, and parents, this is unlikely to conclude until after the start of the new school year in September.”
He continued: “While our aim was to have a new principal in place prior to the start of the school year, the decision has been taken to maintain the integrity of the recruitment process to ensure that the right person is ultimately selected to lead the school.”
During the interim period, Ms. Keisha Douglas has been appointed Acting Principal. Ms Douglas, who has been appointed for one term in the first instance, is one of three Deputy Principals at the Berkeley. Ms. Douglas has been a member of the Berkeley faculty since 1996.
She has served in many leadership roles relating to education over the years including Year 2 Head, Instructional Team Leader of Mathematics, Mathematics Advisor with the Ministry of Education, President of the Bermuda Union of Teachers and, most recently, Deputy Principal of The Berkeley Institute. Ms Douglas has a BA in Mathematics and a MA in Instruction and Curriculum.
Mr. Bridgewater concluded: “Ms. Douglas displays a clear understanding and appreciation of the Core Values of the school as she assumes this short term management role. The Board is confident that she will have the respect and support of the faculty, students and parents during her time leading school.”
im m glad to see them choose within as this is always a good thing. maybe she’ll continue the role permanently.
This seems odd.
It represents one of the continuing challenges for Bermuda’s education system. What would have delayed the recruitment process since I assume (yes I know what that means) that Mrs. Simmons gave ample notice of her intended retirement.
Ms. Douglas will have to effectively plan for the next school year which may ultimately be changed if a new Principal is named for the next calendar year.
Ms. Douglas, I wish you all the best… and a ‘well done’ to the retiring Mrs. Simmons.
Hmmmmm . . .
You know what annoys me about this situation? There should have been someone groomed and ready to step right in behind Simmons and that person should have been serving as a deputy for some time to ensure a smooth transition. I wish Ms. Douglas the best however, the same system that put out un-certified teachers who served many years as successful educators because by international standards they lacked particular credentials, the principals should be held to the same standard in the form of having Doctorate degrees in the relevant areas related to education administration. Lets bring a higher standard across the board in our education system starting from the top, down.
Ms. Douglas was appointed deputy principal some years ago, so she well capable of assuming the responsibilities of principal.
Your missing my point. Yes Ms. Douglas may be well capable but does she have the credentials for the position? I’m not knocking her years of work and education, what i’m getting at is if we want to attain that international standard (through accreditation) then we must be sure at least our principals have the right credentials. Berekely has had long enough to seek out a principal and we must stop this social promotion attitude that permeates throughout our education system (teachers and students alike).
Where are all the Bermudian educated males who are teachers or got a cushy job at the Ministry of Education? Some of them have their Doctorates? Come on you guys! Take up this challenge! Our children need you!
The system is too heavily influenced by women who push the males around too much hence why many males don’t last too long in the school system.
It is my understanding that they had an excellent black male candidate with experience in the Bermuda school system, doctoral credentials and an impeccable track record. However, the board opted to offer the post to the white male candidate with no prior experience in Bermuds who they thought would help them to get international accreditation and he did not accept the post. Go figure!! Now it is said they want the other candidate to apply again. Just give the brother the job!! Our children need to be the priority!!
SHAMEFUL!!!This is why the public school system is SCREWED UP from the TOP DOWN!!!
And then you woke up. Wierd dream.