Lauren Harper, elementary school principal in Panama, will begin in a new position at Westfield this summer. Submitted photo

PANAMA — Panama’s elementary school principal, Lauren Harper, will be leaving her position to start at Westfield this summer.

Harper began as principal in Panama during the summer before the 2018-19 school year. Before that, she had been teaching at Sherman Central School for 10 years, but said Panama had a lot that drew her to the school.

“I liked the community feel and had heard about the great administration team,” Harper said. “The staff and students are known for being high achieving and there were just a lot of positives. I also liked the idea of a pre-k through 12 building.”

Throughout the last five years, Harper said she has worked hard to support students and their families at Panama and form positive relationships with them. This includes areas such as the after-school program — which Harper said focuses on supporting and enriching students — along with a summer camp, both of which have high attendance. Additionally, Harper said the administration worked together to provide the school with a social worker to help students.

“After COVID, we worked hard on a reopening plan to provide equity and support for our students,” Harper said. “It’s the Panama Way. People came together and supported the students. Everyone worked together to do what’s best for our children. Nothing is just me. We strive for positives for all of the kids.”

While she has enjoyed her time at Panama, the decision to go to Westfield was due to multiple reasons.

“Westfield had an opening and it’s my alma mater,” Harper said. “It was a really tough decision because Panama is a special place but Westfield is also really close to my heart. They are doing great things and the community support is impressive for me. I was also looking for the next step and decided it was time to do something different.”

Starting in July, Harper will be filling the position of director of instruction and special education at Westfield. She is looking forward to being able to make an impact there.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity at Westfield and to be able to make an impact there,” Harper said. “I’m looking forward to starting in July and seeing where I can make the biggest impact. I’m looking forward to this new opportunity to get to know the staff, students and families.”

Nonetheless, she said it will be hard to say goodbye to Panama. The feeling is mutual.

“In my time in Panama I have noticed that Ms. Harper is a child-focused educator,” Panama Superintendent Aaron Wolfe said. “She thinks of what is best for children in making decisions in leading a building. Her sense of humor, coupled with her expertise in curriculum and instruction, makes her a great leader. Her knowledge of content and people is a strength for her. We will miss her very much here in Panama, and we are sad to see her leave us and wish her the very best in Westfield.”

High School Principal Scott Costantini echoed Wolfe, wishing Harper the best in her new role.

“While I am happy for Lauren as she makes this move, I am very sad to see her go as she has been an invaluable team member during her time here at PCS,” Costantini said. “We are very proud of the team that we have created here and we all do our part, but Lauren was a big part of what makes this school such a great place to be. She will be hard to replace, that is for sure. Westfield is incredibly fortunate to have landed such a hardworking and dedicated individual. I have no doubt that she will do great things for kids in her new role.”

Emily Harvey, Panama’s director of instruction and special education and who Harper referred to as tremendously impactful and a great mentor for her, said she is sad to see her go.

“I have enjoyed working with Lauren the past five years,” Harvey said. “She is a team player and always willing to do what is best for kids. I am thankful to have been a mentor and co-worker of Lauren’s. I wish her well in her new position; she will truly be missed.”

For Harper, leaving is bittersweet, especially after years in the “nice, small school” community and getting to know the students by name. She hopes to be able to keep her relationships created at Panama intact as she looks forward to a fresh start at Westfield.

“I have worked with really great people and am eternally grateful for the opportunities at Panama and being here with the strong staff,” she said. “I look forward to working with the strong staff at Westfield, too.”