Rutland Herald
Anthony Edwards / Staff Photo
Loren Pepe, principal of Killington Elementary School, is moving to Rutland Intermediate School this fall.
KILLINGTON — Educators generally tidy up
their desks at the end of the school year, but this year, one local
administrator will do somewhat more than that.
Loren Pepe, principal of the Killington Elementary School, will step down after 23 years at KES to become one of two assistant principals at Rutland Intermediate School.
“It just feels like it’s the right time for me to make a change in my life,” Pepe said.
Pepe’s own children went through the Rutland City schools, and she said this is a chance for her to give back to the community that educated them.
She said she had been wanting to give back for a while now, and thought of possibly joining the city School Board.
“It just didn’t fit in with my schedule,” she said. “I was worried it would take away from what was going on here at my school.”
So when the job opened in Rutland, she said it was a good sign for her to head in that direction.
Pepe started out at KES as a special educator in 1991 and worked her way up to principal in 2005.
She said her responsibilities at Rutland Intermediate won’t be too far off from what she has been doing, just in a different space and at a new level.
The little elementary school on the mountain has 97 students. Rutland Intermediate has nearly 600.
“I’ve always been pretty good at knowing all of the names of the kids at my school. This will be a bit challenging,” she said, laughing.
But of the 21 applicants for the assistant principal position, Pepe was the most qualified candidate for that challenge.
“She is an incredibly distinguished principal and member of the community,” said Mary Moran, Rutland superintendent.
She said Pepe’s previous work in special education and reading specialist help set her apart.
“She goes above and beyond,” Moran said.
And even though Pepe has been on the education scene since 1985, she continues to further her own education by taking graduate courses.
“I think this will be a good way for me to learn,” she said of her new job.
But leaving the school that collects maple sap and incorporates skiing into the curriculum doesn’t come without a touch of sadness.
“I love my work here, and I will absolutely miss the people and the children,” Pepe said. “But I’m looking toward the future and what that brings. And I’m excited about it.”
Those familiar faces she will miss will also miss her.
Jennifer Iannantuoni has two children who attend KES.
Iannantuoni has been on the Killington School Board for nine years now, and those years have given her a chance to get to know the woman she called an intelligent, compassionate and professional educator.
“Loren will be missed by the community, the teachers, staff and the parents at KES, but, most importantly, by the students who have been the recipients of her unconditional encouragement and support for over 20 years,” Iannantuoni said.
The board is in the middle of the search for a new principal, but should have a replacement by next week, she said.
“Everyone wishes Mrs. Pepe well as she takes on the challenges of a new role,” Iannantuoni said. “And we look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence that Mrs. Pepe has so steadfastly nurtured at our school.”
bryanna.allen @rutlandherald.com
Loren Pepe, principal of the Killington Elementary School, will step down after 23 years at KES to become one of two assistant principals at Rutland Intermediate School.
“It just feels like it’s the right time for me to make a change in my life,” Pepe said.
Pepe’s own children went through the Rutland City schools, and she said this is a chance for her to give back to the community that educated them.
She said she had been wanting to give back for a while now, and thought of possibly joining the city School Board.
“It just didn’t fit in with my schedule,” she said. “I was worried it would take away from what was going on here at my school.”
So when the job opened in Rutland, she said it was a good sign for her to head in that direction.
Pepe started out at KES as a special educator in 1991 and worked her way up to principal in 2005.
She said her responsibilities at Rutland Intermediate won’t be too far off from what she has been doing, just in a different space and at a new level.
The little elementary school on the mountain has 97 students. Rutland Intermediate has nearly 600.
“I’ve always been pretty good at knowing all of the names of the kids at my school. This will be a bit challenging,” she said, laughing.
But of the 21 applicants for the assistant principal position, Pepe was the most qualified candidate for that challenge.
“She is an incredibly distinguished principal and member of the community,” said Mary Moran, Rutland superintendent.
She said Pepe’s previous work in special education and reading specialist help set her apart.
“She goes above and beyond,” Moran said.
And even though Pepe has been on the education scene since 1985, she continues to further her own education by taking graduate courses.
“I think this will be a good way for me to learn,” she said of her new job.
But leaving the school that collects maple sap and incorporates skiing into the curriculum doesn’t come without a touch of sadness.
“I love my work here, and I will absolutely miss the people and the children,” Pepe said. “But I’m looking toward the future and what that brings. And I’m excited about it.”
Those familiar faces she will miss will also miss her.
Jennifer Iannantuoni has two children who attend KES.
Iannantuoni has been on the Killington School Board for nine years now, and those years have given her a chance to get to know the woman she called an intelligent, compassionate and professional educator.
“Loren will be missed by the community, the teachers, staff and the parents at KES, but, most importantly, by the students who have been the recipients of her unconditional encouragement and support for over 20 years,” Iannantuoni said.
The board is in the middle of the search for a new principal, but should have a replacement by next week, she said.
“Everyone wishes Mrs. Pepe well as she takes on the challenges of a new role,” Iannantuoni said. “And we look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence that Mrs. Pepe has so steadfastly nurtured at our school.”
bryanna.allen @rutlandherald.com
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