Two Bedford County principals moving on

By Christa Desrets

Published: May 13, 2008

The principals of Staunton River Middle and High schools will leave the Bedford County school system after the end of this year, officials said this morning.

Michael Kelly, principal of Staunton River High School, is changing careers after serving 30 years in public education, and Lin Roberts, principal of the middle school, is retiring after serving 32 years in the division.

Current Stewartsville Elementary Principal Patty Johnson will become SRMS’s new leader, and Robert Stump, current principal of Narrows High School in Narrows, Va., will be the new principal at SRHS, said Bedford County Schools spokes-man Ryan Edwards.

School officials have not said who will replace Johnson at Stewartsville Elementary.

Kelly started in public schools in 1978 in Campbell County as a teacher to students with disabilities, according to a news release from the school division.

In 1989, he moved to Bedford schools as principal of Body Camp Elementary School. In his 19 years with the division, he also has led Forest Elementary and Forest Middle schools.

In the news release, Kelly said he would take that experience with him to his future endeavors.

“I am taking my 30 years of leadership experience on the road to provide leadership and educational training and assistance through my new company, Michael Kelly, Consultants,” he said.

Roberts also led a long career with the school division, according to a news release.

He worked for 18 years as a teacher and 12 years as an administrator at Stewartsville Elementary and Staunton River Middle schools.

He coached several sports teams at the high school, and in 1994 was recognized as the Timesland Coach of the Year and the Associated Press Coach of the Year for Virginia.

Roberts plans to work as a Realtor with Olde Colony Realty in Vinton.

For reaction from school officials and the community, check back with NewsAdvance.com or see tomorrow’s edition of The News & Advance.