After a six year run in Westbrook, Superintendent of Schools Pat Charles last week announced she was chosen to be Middletown's next superintendent of schools. This career move returns Charles to the school district where her school leadership career developed through a series of leadership posts she held including as school principal.

"I look forward to returning to lead the district where I was for 17 years and to work with students, staff and community," said Charles in a written statement. "While I look forward to this new challenge, it has been an honor to work on behalf of the children and families of Westbrook for the past six years."

Under the terms of her contract with the Westbrook Board of Education, Charles would continue for the next 90 days in her Westbrook post.

The Board of Education had already scheduled a special meeting for this week to conduct its annual board self-evaluation. Now a new agenda item will be added: a discussion of whether or not to seek an interim superintendent to fill Charles' shoes while the board conducts a search for a new permanent superintendent.

Westbrook said that the board will work to ensure that there is a smooth transition upon Charles' departure and will make sure that the needs of the Westbrook school district will continue to be met.

Look for the complete story in the June 28 issue of the Harbor News.