Jamestown High Principal Resigns, Successor Named Next Week

By Amber Lester Kennedy Saturday, January 14, 2012

Jamestown High School Interim Principal Parke Land resigned Friday, citing health issues. His resignation was effective by the end of the school day.

Land came to Jamestown at the beginning of the current school year, coming out of retirement from his former role as principal of Lafayette High School.

“I have developed some health issues that require my attention and time to resolve,” Land said in a press release. “While I could continue in a limited capacity, the important role of your principal needs someone who can commit totally to fulfilling the requirements of administering our school. My health at this time makes that total commitment impossible. Please know that these health matters are resolvable. However, we are approaching a critical time of the school year and the school needs day-to-day direction.”

Superintendent Steven Constantino said the division will name a successor early next week. A search for a permanent replacement will commence shortly, he said.

Land filled in for former principal Chuck Wagner, who left the division last year to become Gloucester Public Schools’ assistant superintendent of instruction. Prior to serving as leader at Lafayette from 1996 to 2005, Land was principal at Norge Elementary, Matthew Whaley Elementary and James Blair Middle School. He also taught alternative education students at Toano Middle in 1992-93, and taught fifth and sixth grades at Bruton Heights Elementary from 1974-79. Land earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the College of William and Mary.

“I make this decision very reluctantly. The quality of the instructional, support and administrative staffs at Jamestown High School, as well as the achievements of a remarkable student body, have been an inspiration to me personally and professionally,” Land said.

He went on to say, “I am confident that the Eagle spirit that became so apparent to me in my short time at JHS will remain indomitable and will prevail in the challenges that lie ahead. That same Eagle spirit will help me through my transient personal challenge as well.”