Dr. Nancy DePalma announced that she would retire at the end of this academic year, but will remain in West Hartford Public Schools as interim principal at Whiting Lane Elementary School.

Dr. Nancy DePalma was guest of honor at West Hartford’s Cookin’ in April 2016. After retiring as assistant superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, she will become interim principal at Whiting Lane Elementary School for the 2016-17 school year. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

By Ronni Newton

Dr. Nancy DePalma was principal of Whiting Lane Elementary School in 2012 when she was named assistant superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for West Hartford Public Schools, and although she had planned to retire in July, Superintendent Tom Moore announced Thursday that DePalma will return to Whiting Lane as interim principal for the next school year.

DePalma announced her retirement earlier this year, following a 45-year career in education, with 29 of those years in West Hartford, and Paul Vicinus will replace her as assistant superintendent beginning July 1.

In a letter to Whiting Lane families, Moore said that Principal Karen Kukish will extend her childrearing leave for another school year. Kathleen McKay came out of retirement and has served as interim principal for Kukish since December 2015.

“I am very appreciative of the fine work that Kathleen McKay has done there since December filling in, and the true leadership that she has provided. With Kathy wanting to enjoy her retirement a little more instead of working in a full time role, it became clear that we would have to find someone to take the reins for the 2016-2017 school year,” Moore said in his letter.

Moore is thrilled that DePalma, who served as Whiting Lane principal from 2005-2012 and knows the community so well, is able to to fill in for next year. “It is with great enthusiasm that I announce that Dr. Nancy DePalma will be ‘coming home’ to Whiting Lane as principal next year. She has been in contact with both Kathy and Karen about the position, is as familiar with the school community as anyone in the district, and is excited to be returning,” Moore wrote.

DePalma said she is thrilled, too. “Whiting Lane is such a unique and special little community – great children and families, outstanding skilled staff, and hugs galore! It doesn’t get much better than that! It truly is, for me, like going home,” DePalma said in an email Friday.

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