A Message from Chief of Schools Kim Jackson

Dear Parents and Families of Miner Elementary School, As the Chief of Schools for DC Public Schools (DCPS), I am committed to ensuring that our schools, principals, and superintendents are supported as they aim to provide our students with a joyful and rigorous education. Communicating about school leadership updates is critical to maintaining strong partnerships with school communities.
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I am writing this letter to share that Principal Dance’s last day with Miner Elementary School is today, November 27, 2023. We are grateful for his service as Miner’s leader since School Year 2022-2023 and his many years as an educator with DCPS. We look forward to him continuing to lead and grow within our district.

After working to identify a strong, qualified school principal to lead Miner Elementary School for the remainder of this school year, I am pleased to announce that DCPS Principal in Residence Dr. Shenora Plenty has been appointed Interim Principal. Dr. Plenty has supported Miner several times since school began in August—her comfort and familiarity will be a strength during this transition.

Before being Principal in Residence, Dr. Plenty was the principal of Wheatley Education Campus for six years. Prior to that, she was a Mary Jane Patterson Fellow at Stoddert Elementary School for School Year 2016-2017. Dr. Plenty has also been both a teacher and an instructional coach within DCPS. Her approach to families and communities is inclusive because she understands that parents are partners in education. As a proud alumna of DCPS, she sees her leadership as an opportunity to give back to a district that helped shape who she is today.

Dr. Plenty received her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Boston College. She holds a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from the University of Southern California.

I want to assure you that in the spring, you will have the opportunity to engage in the selection process for Miner's permanent principal for School Year 2024-2025. In preparation, DCPS coordinates the selection and appointment of principals with great care and consideration. An important part of the school's contribution will be to form a Community Panel—a committee comprising parents, teachers, and community members to provide a diverse perspective on the decision-making process. Instructional Superintendent Caruthers will be in touch with more information about the process in the new year.

It is essential that Miner’s environment remains focused on the learning and well-being of our students; and I am confident that Dr. Plenty’s experience and qualifications will help ensure those efforts. Thank you for your support. If you have any questions, please email me at kim.jackson@k12.dc.gov.

Sincerely,

Kim Jackson
​Chief of Schools, DC Public Schools