Well-Liked FH Spanish Teacher Resigns

Not long after she made it known that she was enthusiastically gearing up for the coming school year with a with innovative lesson plans, eighth grade Spanish teacher Caitlin Rumph submitted her letter of resignation.

Saying, via letter, that she was leaving the Fair Haven school  “with a heavy heart,” the teacher, who was described by Superintendent Kathleen Cronin as “a great staff member and energetic teacher,” said she was tendering her 60-day notice.

Board of Education Administrator Valery Petrone gave a sigh as she read the letter at Wednesday’s meeting.

In it, Rumph explained that her husband’s career with the federal government and transfer to California was the impetus for her decision. She thanked the board, colleagues and students for a fulfilling six-year experience at Knollwood, her first teaching job.

While she said she is sad to go, she also said that she looks forward to the many Spanish-related opportunities she knows she will have on the west coast.

The board gave a collective sigh, as Cronin said, in an aside, that Rumph’s plan was to have a presence at the school until about mid-October.

Knollwood has been recognized for the second consecutive year as a model school for world language instruction by the state Department of Education.

Rumph resigned, with the six-year experience, at a salary of $49,364, according to state records. A replacement for Rumph has not yet been chosen.

“We’re really just so sorry to see her go,” Cronin added after the meeting. “She is just a wonderful teacher and very well-liked by students and fellow staff members. We wish her all the best.”

Do you have a well wishes for Caitlin Rumph or a story about your experiences with her at Knollwood? Share them with us in the comments section below.