CUMBERLAND – Longtime colleagues of former Garvin Elementary School Principal Michelle Carter say she’s been an “incredible leader” through difficult times, including a pandemic, and there is no one more deserving of a promotion to assistant superintendent.
Garvin staff lined up at the podium at the May School Committee meeting to praise Carter for her leadership, mentorship, and for being such an amazing person overall. Those who worked with her every day knew the heart behind her accomplishments, they said.
Carter valued school culture from the moment she came to the school in 2018, supporting students and staff, inspiring them, bringing them together, and reminding colleagues why their work matters and making even the toughest days feel manageable, they said.
Leading through uncertainty isn’t easy, they stated, and she handled every challenge with kindness, strength, and grace, guiding staff through difficult moments and navigating building transitions. She checked in in after hard days, led with empathy, and kept students at the center of every decision, they shared.
One colleague said Carter genuinely cares about people, celebrates students, supports staff, connects with families, and somehow still found time to bring joy into the building, carry out school traditions, give morning announcements, make classroom visits, and even dance the Macarena. Some of those moments might have seemed small, she said, but they built the sense of community they all treasure, and Carter’s impact will be felt far beyond her time here.
Staff said her departure is bittersweet, and they are proud and excited for Carter’s next chapter with this deserved promotion. They said she will continue to do amazing things.
Another colleague thanked Carter for her leadership, compassion, energy, and unwavering dedication, saying they made a lasting impact on all of them and she will be deeply missed.
Staff also recognized Nellie Normand, who is leaving Garvin to be assistant principal at McCourt Middle School. They said she has been a dedicated leader and supportive colleague, maintaining a caring presence, calm approach, kindness, and commitment doing what is best for students as she’s made a lasting impact on the school community.
School officials announced that three leaders in education with experience in Cumberland schools will be taking on new roles in the district starting July 1.
Along with changing positions for Carter and Normand, Christine Homen will be the new principal at McCourt.
Carter had served as assistant principal at Cumberland High School for the past year and principal at Garvin Memorial Elementary School for eight years. She came to Cumberland in 2017 following a three-year stint as assistant principal at an elementary school in Texas.
She holds a master’s degree in teaching from St. Edward’s University and a master’s in education from Lamar University.
“Michelle has been a thoughtful and dedicated leader throughout her time in the district,” said Supt. Phil Thornton. “Her passion for education, collaborative spirit, and unwavering focus on what is best for students will continue to make a positive impact in this new role.”
Homen, who has served as assistant principal at McCourt for the past three years, replaces Principal Pamela Storme, who has resigned from the district to take a position as assistant principal at King Philip Regional Middle School in Norfolk, Mass.
Homen, who also has three years experience as assistant principal at the elementary level, previously served as a middle school principal in the Bristol Warren School District.
“Christine has built strong relationships with students, staff, and families, and her steady leadership, dedication to students, and deep understanding of the McCourt community make her a wonderful fit for this role,” Thornton said.
Normand has worked in the Cumberland School District for 14 years, holding various positions including special education coordinator for the preschool program and coordinator for child outreach. For the past two years, she’s served as assistant principal at BF Norton and Garvin.
“Nellie is known for her caring approach, strong connection with students and families, and commitment to supporting teachers and school communities,” said Thornton. “We are thrilled to welcome her to McCourt.”
“These appointments reflect the strength of leadership within our district and our continued commitment to supporting students, staff, and families,” he added. “We are grateful for the experience, compassion, and energy Michelle, Christine, and Nellie bring to their work each day.”
