Dr. Lillian Lowery Nominated as Delaware Secretary of Education

Christina Superintendent, Dr. Lillian Lowery, has been nominated by Governor Jack Markell to be the next Secretary of Education for the state of Delaware.  The nomination will now be voted on by the Delaware General Assembly.  The Christina Board of Education is in the process of determining a transition plan for the District. 

In a message sent to all Christina staff, Dr. Lowery stated, "I am deeply honored to have been selected for this appointment, but I want all to know that it was not an easy decision to move on to work at the state level and farther away from my friends and colleagues in Christina.  I approach this new opportunity with the hope that I can bring about changes on behalf of Delaware children on a much larger scale.  I plan to continue the focus on student achievement we began here in Christina, and will use everything that I have learned as superintendent of this outstanding school district to make Delaware’s public education system among the best in the world."
 

Newark-Area Representatives to Host a
Month-Long Book Drive for the Christina School District

As part of Governor Jack A. Markell’s recent weekend of community service, Democratic State Representatives Michael A. Barbieri, Earl G. Jaques Jr., John A. Kowalko and Teresa L. Schooley, who all represent the Newark area, will kick off a month-long book drive benefiting Christina School District on Saturday, January 24 at Borders Books and Music store in Newark.

All four state representatives will be on hand from 1:30-5:00 p.m. at Borders to collect books donated to help replenish the district’s libraries and classrooms and to meet with residents.  Those wishing to participate may donate used books, purchase new books at Borders to donate, or make a cash contribution to the Christina School District.  The book drive will continue throughout the month at Borders.  Borders is located at 101 Geoffrey Drive in Newark.  For more information about the book drive, please call Eli Turkel at 744-4192 or Borders at 366-8144.

Staff Transition Plan Announced for New Elementary School
Brader Elementary School Principal Richelle Talbert
Will Serve As New Principal

The Christina School District has announced a staff transition plan for the District’s new elementary school scheduled to open in August 2009.  Richelle Talbert, currently principal of Brader Elementary School, has been named principal of the new school, located on Porter Road in Bear. Talbert will begin managing the transition on a full-time basis on February 2.

Heather Maldonado, currently assistant principal at Brader, will serve as acting principal at Brader beginning February 2.  Norman Kennedy, currently acting assistant principal at Marshall Elementary School, will serve as acting assistant principal at Brader beginning February 2.

Talbert was named the 2008 Delaware National Distinguished Principal by the Delaware Elementary School Principals Association, which is sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education. To be selected, a principal must maintain high expectations of students and staff, show evidence of outstanding contributions to school and the profession, and be an established respected member of the community.

In 2007, Talbert received the 2007 Administrator’s Award for Excellence from the Delaware School Library Media Association, and the Brader Elementary School “Power Library” was the recipient of a National Library Media Award presented by the American Association of School Librarians. She is a member of numerous professional organizations, has served in a variety of leadership roles, and is active in civic, social, athletic, and philanthropic activities that benefit a wide cross section of the community.  Talbert is recognized for creating a school community that nurtures the very best in all children, and which welcomes all families.