Salem Elementary School Principal Resigns From Position

SALEM, MA — The Nathaniel Bowditch Elementary School will have new leadership to begin the new year, as current principal Dr. Johanna Even has resigned from the school, according to a Salem Public Schools announcement Tuesday evening. Citing personal reasons, Even's resignation becomes effective on Jan. 3 when students return to school from the holiday break.

“This was a difficult, personal decision for Dr. Even,” said Salem Public Schools Superintendent Margarita Ruiz in a statement. “The district thanks Dr. Even for her commitment to children and service at the Nathaniel Bowditch School. We wish her well with her next endeavor.”

The Salem Public Schools has also named Bowditch's Director of English Language Learners Rebecca Westlake as interim principal at the school. Westlake's term as interim school principal will run from Jan. 3 to June 30.

The release further indicated that a search for a new principal for the 2017-2018 school year will begin immediately.

Westlake received her Master’s Degree in School Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education, according to the announcement. She also received a Fulbright grant to spend a year working in a bilingual public school in Madrid.

"Westlake’s deep knowledge of effective instruction and supports for English language learners, her ability to effectively work with teachers and students, and her commitment to the Bowditch School community, make her the ideal leader for Bowditch during this transition," read the statement.