Ridgefield Public Schools Appoints New Veterans Park Elementary School Leader
On Monday, May 22, the Ridgefield Board of Education voted unanimously to support Superintendent Karen Baldwin's recommendation of Ellen Tuckner as Principal for Veterans Park Elementary School.
Ellen Tuckner is currently Principal of Mohegan Elementary School in Shelton and was previously Assistant Principal at Cider Mill School in Wilton. "Ellen’s breadth of experience in elementary school education is a perfect fit for Ridgefield Public Schools,” said Ridgefield Superintendent Dr. Karen Baldwin.
Ms. Tuckner’s skills and background in building a positive school climate and creating strong learning communities impressed both the Search Committee and the Board. In Shelton, she led initiatives that improved interventions, school climate, communication, and parent engagement.
*Image courtesy of Veterans Park School
Throughout Ms. Tuckner's career she has been passionately committed to continuous professional learning to refine and enhance her leadership practice and the practice of teachers. She is a staunch advocate for the needs of all students and is a firm supporter of providing teachers with the skills and resources they need in order to deliver effective classroom instruction. In 2016, Ms. Tuckner initiated peer coaching in her school and instituted a whole-school approach to behavior and social emotional learning. She developed parent input forums as a means to strengthen home and school connections.
Board of Education Vice-chairman, Jim Keidel served on the Search Committee. “Ellen was one of 55 candidates in the applicant pool. This was a rigorous process and I am excited to have Ellen leading our Veterans Park community.”
Dr. Baldwin said, "Ms. Tuckner is a community builder with a passion for working with children and families. I'm thrilled to welcome her to our Ridgefield community." Ms. Tuckner will assume her new role on July 1, 2017.