Saying that Ledyard Public Schools began a "new" year on Aug. 29 would be a huge understatement.

Our schools will implement a range of educational reforms under the leadership of a largely new administrative team. Parents and students will see lots of changes as we proceed through the year; over the next couple of months, this column, Spotlight on Ledyard Schools, will focus on the major changes.

The most obvious change students saw the first day of school was the reorganization of the leadership team at Ledyard High School. Amanda Fagan became principal following the retirement of Lou Gabordi last June. Although Fagan will be new to a principal position, she is by no means a newcomer to Ledyard High School. She has served as an English teacher and soccer coach at Ledyard since 1998. In addition, she served as English department head and later as the instructional leader for the humanities department. During the last two years, Fagan served in two administrative posts at the high school - assistant principal and curriculum specialist. As a result, students, parents and faculty members know Fagan well and respect her for her excellent record.

At the Ledyard Middle School, a change of leadership was prompted by the resignation of Joe Chella in mid-August. After five excellent years of service to the children at the middle school, Chella accepted another principal position to be closer to where his children attend school.

Knowing the middle school was facing reorganization involving the proposed move of the sixth grade to Ledyard Middle School, the Board of Education endorsed the recommendation of Greg Keith to assume the middle school principalship. Keith, who served as Ledyard Center School principal last year, was selected based on his extensive background in middle school education. He was a middle school teacher for 13 years and served as dean of two middle schools in Stonington before joining Ledyard Public Schools. His background and strong leadership will be a huge asset as the middle school reorganization proposed moves forward.

With Keith's move to the middle school, the district was faced with a vacancy at Ledyard Center School. Fortunately, the schools hired Susan Nash-Ditzel last spring to serve as assistant principal at Gales Ferry and Juliet Long schools.

Nash-Ditzel is a veteran elementary school teacher and reading specialist who has also earned a doctoral degree in literacy education. Understanding the experience that Nash-Ditzel brings to the principal position, the school board accepted the recommendation to select her as Ledyard Center School principal.

The final administrative change involved the appointment of an assistant principal at Gales Ferry/Juliet Long. After reviewing the credentials of a few well-qualified candidates, Robin Lipman was selected for the position. Lipman is a veteran school psychologist who has previous successful experience as an interim assistant principal. Lipman will undoubtedly be a great support to the students, parents and teachers at both schools.

The new administrators will provide outstanding leadership at the schools, so the Board of Education and other district staff is beginning the year with a great deal of confidence and optimism for the future of our schools.

MICHAEL GRANER IS THE LEDYARD'S SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.