Destiny calls Tara DeWitte to leadership

If you put Tara DeWitte’s DNA under a microscope, it is inevitable that you would see strands of DNA looped over loving children, coiled around a passion for education, and wrapped around the development of current and future teachers. Leadership literally and figuratively is in her blood.

Her father, Bill Zambelli, was the first principal at Kathryn Senor Elementary. A picture of him hangs in the hallway of the school that he helped build.

Now Tara has the opportunity to put all of her innate and developed skills to use as she takes the reigns as the principal of Kathryn Senor Elementary next year. She will succeed Jana Price who leaves after eight years to pursue other opportunities and be closer to family in Texas.

“I came back to Re-2 specifically to be part of the Kathryn Senor Elementary family,” said Tara who began her teaching career at KSE 17-years ago. After stints at Riverside Middle School and Cactus Valley Elementary, Tara returned to Kathryn Senor as the Academic Coach, a role she has held for eight years.

Tara has always had the notion of becoming a principal, but in only one building.

“I watched my Dad lead a school. It’s difficult work,” explained Tara. “I wasn’t sure that I was ready or in the proper place to fill that role, and there is only one place that I wanted to lead.”

Tara was the successful candidate in a strong field of internal finalists, and emerged the top choice after a full day of interviews that consisted of parents, teachers, staff and administrators. The candidates had to navigate through tough questions asked by students at the meet and greet event following the interviews.

Fostering relationships with families and community members is the thing that Tara is looking forward to the most, while continuing the deep professional development of the staff. She knows that Kathryn Senor Elementary, like all schools in the Garfield Re-2 District and across the state, face the continued challenge of a veteran staff with fewer new teachers to fill their shoes.

“I think the greatest challenge that I, or any principal will face in the near future, is how to keep our great young teachers, and create a place that potential new teachers want to come to and share their love of learning with future generations,” she said.

Superintendent Heather Grumley is excited to welcome Tara to the Garfield Re-2 leadership team.

“Tara’s knowledge of the District, the KSE staff, families and students will serve her well in her leadership journey,” said Superintendent Heather Grumley. “We are so proud to watch the once KSE teacher ascend to the future KSE principal.