Two New Leaders Take Over at Patrick Lyndon School

Don't expect much to change at the Patrick Lyndon School because there are two new leaders. Kate Tunney and Andre Ward expect the same level of high quality education for the K-8 pilot school that parents have come to expect through the years.

"No major changes," said Tunney, who was a kindergarten teacher at the school last year.

Tunney and Ward, who are regarded as the "management team" instead of principals, know pilot schools are teacher-run schools, and they are following two very good leaders in Sherry Brooks-Roberts and Kate Johnson.

Like their predecessors, the new team knows they'll be a team in leadership. Said Ward, "We communicate as the management team to the whole school. I'm upper school (four through eight) and Mrs. Tunney is lower (K through three). It's divided that way, when we come together we're thinking what's best for the school."

The two have known each other since 1996 when Tunney started at the school. Ward has been a music and band teacher since the year before. The pair visibly works well together and are very proud of the school they've helped build.

"It's a great learning environment. We have a supportive staff and fabulous parents. And as Andre said, 'The culture is extremely positive.' We're well rounded with a sports academic league – the sports programs are very attractive. We have girls basketball, soccer, chess, flag-football, a debate team and our instrumental band program," said Tunney.

Ward added there are programs for general music, instrumental music, visual arts, theater and they have an African dance program after school.

While communicating with their current faculty, Tunney and Ward are also still in touch with their predecessors.

"They're very supportive of us," said Tunney. "Any questions we have they answer or direct us in the right way."

And as their predecessors no doubt saw Tunney and Ward grow as teachers, the new team has seen the same thing through the years.

"Not only have I seen Mrs. Tunney grow as a teacher, I've seen her grow as a leader.  I am excited. When you're talking about having a partnership with someone who is committed to a vision and a mission – I'm excited to have Mrs. Tunney on the other side of me."

Added Tunney, "We're looking forward to a great year."