Izzi B School Leader Succession Announcement

Posted May 18, 2021

front of school building

May 26, 2021

Dear Isabella Bird Community, 

After a robust and thorough principal selection process, we are excited to announce that Rebecca Mercer has been selected to serve as the next long-term principal of Isabella Bird Community School. Working as a community, we are confident Principal Mercer will co-lead the school to a more equitable and sustainable future. Thank you for your support and commitment to this most important work. As Rebecca stated in her bio: “My leadership vision is grounded in the steadfast belief that excellence and equity can co exist; they are not mutually exclusive. Schools are a place of learning for all kids; where we cultivate the brilliance and genius of all students.” As you know, Rebecca brings a great deal of experience, both in and outside of Isabella Bird, including her tenure as a supervisor for the Department of Children and Families; behavior specialist; classroom, special-education and gifted and talented teacher; senior team lead; and assistant principal. 

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who engaged in the selection process. Your unwavering commitment to the ongoing success of Isabella Bird as a community was evident throughout the hiring process at every turn. Our sincerest gratitude goes out to the Board Council/Collaborative School Committee for the considerable time, energy, passion, and counsel in shaping the selection process in line with the school’s innovation plan. Thank you to the school’s personnel committee and leadership team for the time in interviewing and providing assessment. We also want to thank the greater Isabella Bird School Community for providing such rich feedback after viewing the candidate materials, with nearly 200 respondents to our two surveys. We appreciate your engagement, particularly in this remote setting.  Again, a huge thank you to Tonda Potts and Cindy Miller for their invaluable interim principal leadership through this most challenging year. 

Please look forward to a letter from Principal Mercer in the coming weeks. 

Above all, I hope that you and your family are well and that you have a safe and healthy summer. 

Sincerely, 

Kevin King 

Kevin King, Ed.L.D. 

Regional Instructional Superintendent