Principal leaving John B Sliney School is a loss

A gifted administrator in Branford, Margaret Mary Gethings, principal of John B Sliney School, resigned recently. She spent three years and a few months this year promoting excellence at JBSliney: in students, teachers, support staff, and parents. Her work ethic, passion and energy were felt by all. Each student was known to her and they, in turn, knew her because she made sure they knew she cared. She cared and made it known about the good things they did and the not-so-good things. The same was true for teachers and parents.

The overwhelming feeling was Mrs. Gethings is someone who is involved with the entire school community's wellness. She will go to great expense, in and of her own time and energy to get the best results in the multitude of interactions that invariably happen in schools. Her knowledge and professional acumen in one-on-one conferences and public meetings is irrefutable.

People of such talent with passion-driven conviction to push others to achieve at their highest potential are not common, especially in a public school system — a rarity indeed. Although her tenure in Branford's JBSliney School was brief, she accomplished a great deal that would be impossible to duplicate.

Margaret Gethings pioneered so many new, innovative and positive academic and extracurriculum events it would be difficult to list them. Where and how she developed her confidence to make JBSliney strive to be the best, perform above expectation, and incorporate a wonderful community is a gift. It is her gift and our loss. Tom Salvin

Branford