Update, 10/6, 5 p.m.: This article has been updated with a quote from Dr. Ramos.
The following is a letter sent by Patricia O’Neill, Principal of Clinton School, to Dr. John Ramos, Sr., Superintendent. O’Neill has been Principal of Clinton since 2007.
October 2, 2015
Dear Dr. Ramos,
Life is truly an adventure!!!
It is with incredibly mixed emotions that I write this letter to you. Over the past few months my priorities have shifted and therefore I am announcing my retirement effective January 31, 2016.
I have had the honor of growing up in Maplewood, attending our schools, proudly graduating as Senior Class President from CHS, teaching at Jefferson and Maplewood Middle School, and leading the Clinton community as Principal. My educational experiences and the people I have collaborated with fostered my love of teaching and learning and the joy of observing the academic, social, and emotional growth of our young scholars.
As Principal of Clinton Elementary School, the succession of leadership has always been a priority for me. I am confident that the upcoming leadership transition will be seamless. I am prepared to spend the time necessary to ensure that the new Principal understands and truly appreciates how special this community is and how important it is to remain focused on the needs of our students.
I am honored and so proud to have worked with such an amazingly talented and dedicated community of teachers, staff members, family members, and administrative colleagues. My hope is that our vision will continue and our community members will always remain cohesive, vibrant, and dedicated to our Clinton kids and each other.
Sincerely,
Patricia O’Neill
Principal
“Principal O’Neill continues to be a major force in the Clinton learning community and in our school district,” said Ramos in an email to The Village Green. “Students are her first love and priority and her focus has been infectious. She has led her school team through a revolution of improvement that hopefully will remain her lasting legacy.”
