After three years at the helm, Simanksi moving on

WEST BROOKFIELD – Elementary school principal Jennifer Simanski is leaving her post, as of June 30.
“I will be pursuing other things,” she said, but would not elaborate, except to admit that she does “desperately” miss the time she spent in the classroom as a teacher for Spencer’s elementary school before coming on here as principal July 1, 2006.
She submitted her resignation March 27.
Unlike former Quabaog Principal Michael Rooney, who left his post in 2008 citing too much time writing testing reports and not enough time as a student educator, Simanski said she does spend significant time with the kids “doing walk-throughs” and greeting them in the mornings, among other daily activities as principal. Nor is it the many struggles she’s faced with a school building that has caused her to make the decision to leave. Simanski has constantly advocated for the school district to do something to address the cranky heating system that leaves some teachers with no choice but to open windows for relief from excess heat while some classrooms remain chilly. The boilers in the school date back more than 60 years with no plan to update the system. Furthermore, even after the entire building received a brand new roof, her years have been plagued by chronic leaks. Yet, despite all these challenges and a booming student population, Simanski said only that her decision for leaving is “within me.”
Qubaoag School District has been a revolving door for administrators in recent years, including Rooney’s short stint as middle/high school principal, followed by interim principal David Driscoll, recently replaced by Greg Myers. At the Warren elementary, Principal Ted Brown has fewer than five years on the job. At the superintendent post, Carol Jacobs left in 2007, after ousting a popular principal in the district. She was replaced by interim Ted Malvey who was replaced by first-time Superintendent Brett Kustigian early this year.
Kustigian had little to say regarding the loss of another principal.
“I think principal Simanski has done a terrific job and I wish her well,” he said.
As for the troubled roof, Simanski said it has not leaked since the snow melted. That, plus the discovery of faulty flashing above the flat roof where it meets walls, leaves her to believe that the snow got so high that it managed to melt under the flashing causing widespread severe leaking. She said the roofing company will be in during April vacation to replace all of the flashing. Apparently, she said, the caulk was not applied properly.
Students are now taking the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) tests. Simanski said that students are being provided with healthy snacks such as apples, oranges and granola bars as well as sugarless chewing gum to aid in their performance. She said that studies show chewing gum can help children relax and concentrate.
“Anything to make it less stressful on the kids,” she said. Nevertheless, she said, kids are reminded how important it is to do their best all the time.”