Retired educator Michael Kelly joins Appomattox County High School as principal

By Annie McCallum

Published: November 5, 2008

The leader at the helm of Appomattox County High School has changed again.

Former Bedford County principal Michael Kelly started as the school’s principal Wednesday. Kelly replaces assistant principal David Read, who was named acting principal last month after the sudden reassignment of principal Greg Wheeler. Read is currently serving as an assistant principal at the school.

Kelly said he was contacted about the position two weeks ago and was impressed with Appomattox County Schools. Impressed enough, he said, to come out of retirement and consulting work. When reached by phone Wednesday afternoon, Kelly reported a smooth first day.

“It was a wonderful first day. It went very well. Students are excited about having someone here,” he said, adding he met with teachers and division administrators Tuesday.

Before retiring to pursue consulting work, Kelly was the principal at Staunton River High School. He also served as principal of Body Camp Elementary, Forest Elementary and Forest Middle schools during his tenure in Bedford County.

Kelly’s career in education started in 1978 in Campbell County, where he worked as a teacher.

He said he has agreed to serve as the Appomattox principal until the end of the year. When asked whether he would continue after that, he said he wasn’t sure.

“That something maybe to talk about in the springtime,” he said.

Kelly’s appointment is the latest in a series of changes at the school that began on Oct. 6, when division superintendent Aldridge Boone announced the reassignment of Wheeler, who had served as the school’s principal since 2005.

Wheeler was moved to a teaching position at Appomattox Middle School, with little explanation.

Kelly said he was not apprehensive about assuming the leadership role after the recent turmoil. He said is not familiar with the

circumstances surrounding Wheeler’s reappointment.

So far, Kelly said, he simply is looking forward to getting to know students and staff.

“I enjoy the challenge of change,” he said. “I like getting into new situations.”

Michael Kelly 

- Education: Bachelor’s degree in special education from East Stroudsburg State College; master’s degrees in school administration and learning disabilities from Lynchburg College.

- Experience: Former principal at Body Camp Elementary, Forest Elementary, Forest Middle and Staunton River High schools.

- Honors: Learning Disabilities State Teacher of the Year in 1987; School Bell Award from the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals in 1993; Petty Award for Distinguished Alumni from Lynchburg College in 1993.