Kelli Deveaux has been a part of the RSU14
school district for 14 years. Now the time has come to say goodbye as she moves
from being assistant principal at Windham High School into the role of
principal at Westbrook High School. While school administrators say they are
glad she has this opportunity to move forward in her career, it’s clear that
she will be missed.
“It’s bittersweet for us,” said Windham
High School principal Chris Howell. “It’s a loss, but we are super happy for
Kelli to be able to take the next step in her career.”
Superintendent Sanford Prince echoed the
same sentiment. “We will miss her, but this is a wonderful opportunity for
her,” he said. “It’s such a natural step for her.” He added that he is proud
that RSU14 develops strong leaders and educators, and allows them opportunities
to move forward in their own professional development. “I think Westbrook is
very fortunate to have Kelli, and she will do well there,” said Prince.
Deveaux said the decision to leave was a
tough one. “Windham has been my home for 14 years,” she said “It’s become a
second home and second community for me.” Deveaux, who lives in Gorham, said
there are many opportunities in the move to Westbrook. The proximity to her own
home is appealing, she said, as she balances raising three children of her own
with her work life. She added that the diversity, sense of community and
community supports that exist in Westbrook are quite unique.
Deveaux is admired by the people she has
worked with. Howell said he appreciates all that she has done to build family
and community relationships. “It’s going to be difficult for whoever comes in
to fill her ‘heels’,” he said, joking about the shoes she is infamous for wearing.
“I deeply respect Kelli as a person and
as an educator,” said Prince. “I’ve really enjoyed working alongside her.”
Qualities he has appreciated include Deveaux’s humor, energy, and drive to make
things happen. Deveaux sees the common good, and is open to varying points of
view, Prince said. He added that she has a strong sense of integrity and
ethics, as well as good judgment.
Both Deveaux and RSU14 administration plan
for continued collaboration between districts. Howell said that as part of the Sebago
Educational Alliance, he anticipates continuing to work closely with Deveaux in
finding ways to join the communities together. “We’ve always had a strong
relationship with Westbrook,” he said, adding that now he looks forward to an
even stronger connection.
Deveaux said she hopes to maintain some
kind of presence in the RSU14 district. Often, she said, education doesn’t
cross town lines, but she believes it should. “We’re all working for the common
good of the youth, and our youth cross town lines all the time. They certainly
do it virtually, so why don’t we, to meet the needs of our kids.”
The assistant principal position has
been advertised, according to Howell, and a hiring committee will be formed
soon. He said they are looking to have the position filled by the end of the
month.
Prince said that some of the qualities
the district is looking for in a candidate include someone with a history of
strong ethics, an ability to build relationships, and an innovative approach.
The ideal candidate will also have a strong sense of inquiry, and be able to reach
out to the public and educators to problem solve with a collaborative approach.
Strong principles are important, as are new ideas, Prince said. “We’re not
looking for the status quo. We want somebody who is creative,” he said. He
added that he is confident that the district will be able to find the right
person for the job.
Deveaux said that the timeline for her
leaving worked out well, in that she doesn’t have to go through events like graduation
thinking that it’s her last one. “I hate goodbyes,” she said, adding that she
knows this won’t be the last time she’ll see the students and staff to whom she
has grown very close. “I’m so incredibly grateful for the kindness and the
opportunities that the Windham and Raymond communities have afforded me and
their support over the 14 years that I’ve been a part of these communities.
They’ve supported me in growing who I am personally, and certainly in who I am
professionally. I have had outstanding opportunities to work with great people
and I’m truly going to miss Windham and Raymond,” Deveaux said.
