WMMS principal retires

By April Taylor Record Editor
Published: March 31, 2008

After seven years as principal of William Monroe Middle School - and 34 years in education—Deborah DuPell has decided to retire.
The Friday before Spring Break was her last day as head of the school.
Hard decision?
Yes and no, says the 54-year-old DuPell, sitting in her office last week. 
“It’s hard to leave a career that has been such a part of your life,” says DuPell. “I really am a firm believer in public education.  Leaving something you’ve given so much of your life to, it’s hard. I’ll miss the kids.”
But she adds, “you sort of know when it’s time (to leave).”
DuPell started teaching when she was 21 years of age. She was an assistant principal for two years before becoming principal at WMMS. 
She says that one of her most rewarding moments as principal has been to “help kids understand that they have a lot of capacity within themselves—and that they could stretch beyond what was possible.”
Asked about the most the most challenging part of her job as principal: “following federal mandates when you know there’s a lot more to education than just that.”
Now DuPell plans to “take a couple of months to rest” and then to start “something totally different.” She says she likes to garden and loves to read.
As for her time at WMMS, she says:  “My favorite part of the day was when I stood outside in the morning and watched the kids come in,” says Dupell.
As for DuPell’s replacement, David Jeck, who will become Superintendent of Schools here this summer, said that job postings already have gone out for a new WMMS principal.
“We anticipate bringing someone to the (school) board in the middle of May, to begin in July,” Jeck said.
In the meantime, no interim principal will be named, said Jeck.
“There’s a lead assistant principal, which will be Tonya Cook,” said Jeck, adding that Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Debbie Brown will assume some of the responsibilities in terms of management issues and budget related items.
DuPell was asked if she had any tips for the next principal, once he or she is named.
Her advice: “Try to find humor in ordinary, day-to-day events.”