Cornwall Cornwall Consolidated School Principal to Retire at the End of the School Year

Cornwall, Connecticut (January 23) - On January 19, Mary Kay Ravenola, Principal of the Cornwall Consolidated School (CCS) gave notice of her retirement effective June 30, 2023. Principal Ravenola, an educator with 33 years of experience, became the CCS Principal in 2020, coming from the Windsor School District, where she had been the Principal of the John F. Kennedy Intermediate School (grades 3-5) school for eight years. She has been a well-respected CCS school leader, continuing long-established community based traditions while adding more contemporary instructional practices focused on greater involvement of students in their learning as well as in supporting a positive school culture. Staff and students have thrived under her leadership. 

Principal Ravenola explained that the timing of her retirement coincides with her family’s need to relocate due to a new professional professional opportunity for her husband. According to Superintendent Lisa Carter, “Principal Ravenola has been an outstanding Principal. She is an expert instructional leader as well as a caring and committed member of the Cornwall community. We are extremely sad to lose her, but wish her all the best in her retirement.”  Principal Ravenola commented on her departure saying, “ I do not have the words to express my gratitude and appreciation for Cornwall. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Cornwall Consolidated School’s Principal. I will always remember how welcoming Cornwall has been and supportive of my principalship during a difficult time in education. I feel very fortunate to have been a part of this wonderful community and am walking away with many fond memories that I will cherish forever.  I thank the Cornwall Board of Education and the community from the bottom of my heart for trusting me to lead this wonderful school and be a part of Cornwall ‘s children's educational journey for the past three years.” Emilie Pryor, the Cornwall Board of Education Chairperson stated “The Cornwall community has been extremely fortunate to have had Mary Kay Ravenola leading our school for these three years. I can't imagine a better person to take care of our staff and students during the pandemic. She has fostered a school culture of academic excellence and kindness and positivity which we will work to continue and grow for years to come. Our gratitude to her from the board and school community is boundless.”

The Cornwall Board of Education will work closely with Superintendent Carter to conduct a search to identify Principal Ravenola’s successor by the end of the 2022-2023 school year.