Principal to leave Beech Hill for Pinewood | Education | Summerville Journal Scene

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Principal to leave Beech Hill for Pinewood

Published Tuesday, February 12, 2008 5:09 PM

By Sharon Gnau
Summerville Journal Scene ®

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Jennings

Babette Jennings has announced she will leave her position as principal of Beech Hill Elementary to go to Pinewood Preparatory School as head of high school.

Pinewood Headmaster Glyn Cowlishaw says Jennings will bring a proven track record in educational administration with all age groups to Pinewood.

“We look to utilize her skills and experience to bring our high school from good to great,” says Cowlishaw. “She’s a proven team builder in all types of educational settings and we look forward to her becoming part of our Pinewood team.

Jennings, who has worked in education for the past 16 years, and has worked as an administrator for 10 of those years, says the decision to leave Beech Hill did not come easily.

“This was a tough decision to make. I could have waited to make the announcement, but this is such a great district and I wanted to make the decision early. I love it here,” she says. “I love coming to work and of course I love the kids.”

Jennings says she knows the school will continue to move forward and thinks it will sell itself in terms of attracting quality candidates for her position. “I think we’ll have people beating down the door to come to work here,” Jennings said.

Dorchester School District Two Superintendent Joe Pye says Jennings’ decision was a disappointment. “She’s done such a wonderful job in the two years since she came to Beech Hill,” said Pye. “The school has continued to advance under her leadership.”

Pye says the search for Jennings' replacement is underway.

As is the case with anyone who works in the district, Jennings has a close relationship with Pye.

“In other districts, you can’t just pick up the phone at 9:30 at night and call the superintendent,” Jennings says. “I can always call Joe. We are very much alike and see eye-to-eye on most things. He is so child-centered. He loves his students and he really frets over things.”

In her new position, Jennings will act as the educational leader of the high school division and will be responsible for its day-to-day operation. Her job will include evaluating the high school faculty in the development and implementation of curriculum and to review and evaluate academic programs.

Jennings, who is a strong advocate for single gender education, has been directing the concept at Beech Hill. Although the program has been a great success, Cowlishaw says it’s not on the agenda at Pinewood.

“We are always experimenting with the most effective ways to teach but we have no plans at this time to move to any single gender classes.”

“I think going to Pinewood will be a great career move for me,” Jennings says. “I’m able to see this from both sides because my children go to Pinewood. I’ve seen firsthand the positive things they’re doing at the school. How nice will it be to be an administrator at a school where your children go?”

Contact Sharon Gnau at 873-9424 ext 215 or sgnau@journalscene.com.

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