A Changing of the Guard at White Oaks Elementary School.

Principal to Depart.

In a letter that I'm sure shocked many White Oaks School parents, Principal Elizabeth Veal announced yesterday that she has accepted a principal position in the Hillsborough City School District for the 2013-14 school year and will leave her position as the principal of White Oaks Elementary School next week at the end of the current school year.

The announcement was made via an email to the parents on the school district email list.   For those of you who did not receive it, here is the announcement in its entirety:

“Dear White Oaks Families,

I am writing with difficult news to share with you, the staff, and the students of White Oaks…

Last Friday, I was offered and have now accepted a principal position in the Hillsborough City School District for the ’13-’14 school year. This opportunity was truly unexpected, and it has been a very emotional process for me in making this decision, but in the end, this opportunity will be best for me and my family.

I want to thank each and every one of you for all your support and for the trust that you have given me and the White Oaks staff in teaching your children and helping them to become fine human beings and academic scholars. I am honored and feel so fortunate to have been given this opportunity to work with your children. White Oaks students are incredible! I am so proud of each and every child at White Oaks!

During my six years at White Oaks I have fostered relationships with many of you and will cherish the memories and friendships I’ve made during my time here. White Oaks has been a very special place for me and I will miss the students dearly.

Please know that my dedication to my position as your principal will continue as we transition to a new leadership at White Oaks throughout the summer.  Dr. Baker, Tammy Pigot (our current PTA President) and Libby DeMeo (the ’13-’14 White Oaks PTA President) will be meeting to discuss the district’s hiring process for finding my replacement.  Dr. Baker will be meeting with my staff this week to get their insight into the forthcoming process, AND Dr. Baker and I (along with Tammy Pigot and Libby DeMeo) will be on campus on Monday, June 10th at 6pm in our MU to discuss any questions you may have about our next steps. Those who are interested in attending this meeting are welcome.

Please accept my sincere thanks and appreciation as I enter into a new learning experience of my own.

Respectfully,
Elizabeth Veal”