The Derby Board of Education has appointed Ms. Jennifer Olson of Cheshire, Connecticut as the next Principal of the Irving Elementary School.
The Board acted in response to a recommendation from Superintendent Stephen Tracy, who praised Olson as a resourceful, child-focused leader.
For the past three years, Olson has served as the Assistant Principal at the Brennan-Rogers Magnet School in New Haven.
She taught Kindergarten and Fifth Grade at Brennan-Rogers for six years prior to that.
Olson earned her 6th Year Degree in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from Southern Connecticut State University. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of New Haven.
Olson emerged from a field of over 30 candidates who were considered by a committee of teachers, parents, citizens and Board of Education members.
“She impressed all of us with her intelligence, her creativity and her knowledge of teaching and learning and the elementary level,” said Tracy. “I’m confident that she will make a lasting contribution to the cause of public education in our city.”
“I am excited to be a part of the great work happening in Derby Public Schools,” said Olson. “I look forward to meeting with the students, parents, teachers, and staff at Irving School to learn how I can best serve them.”
Olson will succeed Francis Gallo on July 1, 2012.
Earlier this year, Gallo announced he is retiring after 11 years of service as the principal of Irving School.
