Somers Reinstated as CMS Principal

Shelley Somers, the popular principal, is returning to her post Thursday morning, Greenwich Public School officials announced Wednesday evening.

Interim Schools Superintendent Roger Lulow wrote in an e-mail to the Central Middle School community,"The investigation involving Ms. Somers and the childcare center that she operated in Granby, CT has been completed to our satisfaction."

Lulow added, "Ms. Somers has acknowledged making a mistake. She has already paid a high price for that mistake. Since that time she has had an exemplary career as an educator and has garnered the support of the central middle school community and her colleagues in the Greenwich Public Schools. Therefore, we trust that you will join us in welcoming her back to Central."

Somers had been on after district officials received information that she closed her upstate Connecticut daycare center while the state investigated several allegations regarding the care of children. Somers did not indicate the incident that occurred 15 years ago to the district during its background investigation and interviews with her in 2009. She assumed the helm of the 713-student school on Indian Rock Lane in January 2010.

On Tuesday, about in support of Somers and later met with Interim School Superintendent Roger Lulow to present their concerns. Not to be outdone by the children, parents were conducting a petition drive to "respectfully request the return of Shelley Somers."

Following the students' march, parent Viveca Woods said, she hoped for Somers' return because of the administrator's approach to the job and maintaining a creative, educational environment for students.

To read Lulow's complete letter, please see the PDF at right.