Noted for her steady leadership, Kelli Crosby has been named the permanent principal at Wentworth School in Scarborough, and John Thurlow the permanent assistant principal.

Both Crosby and Thurlow took on the task of overseeing the final weeks of construction of the new $39.1 million school, while also preparing to help staff and students settle into the new building following the retirement of the longtime principal, Anne-Mayre Dexter.

During its meeting last week, the Scarborough Board of Education approved the recommendation of Superintendent George Entwistle not to go through another search process for a new leadership team for Wentworth.

A nationwide search was initially held to find “a high-performing and suitable replacement” for Dexter, Entwistle said, but the search committee was unsuccessful in finding the right candidate.

That’s when Entwistle encouraged the school board to use “the very capable leadership team of Kelli Crosby and John Thurlow” on an interim basis.

In recommending Crosby for the role of permanent principal at Wentworth, Entwistle said she “impressively performs her role in a capable, confident and highly effective manner.”

In addition, he said that Thurlow’s “talents and unique background,” particularly in the area of technology integration, have made him “a significant contributor to getting the new Wentworth School fully functioning.”

In all, Entwistle said, “John and Kelli have demonstrated that together they are a strong and effective leadership duo for the Wentworth School.”

Prior to moving to Wentworth, Thurlow was the principal at Blue Point School, and Entwistle said he will “undeniably be missed by the Blue Point community.”

But, when Crosby and Thurlow were given their interim appointments last summer, Entwistle also created a new administrative oversight plan for both Pleasant Hill and Blue Point schools.

That plan will also remain in place going forward. In recommending that Principal Kelly Mullen-Martin continue to provide leadership for the two primary schools, Entwistle said she has “capably provided leadership and support.”

Finally, last week the school board also approved Entwistle’s recommendation that Anne Cass be appointed to a second, consecutive assignment as the K-2 interim assistant principal.

This week, Crosby called her appointment as the permanent principal at Wentworth both personally and professionally gratifying.

“I am thrilled and full of gratitude for the opportunity to continue as school leader,” she said. “Professionally, this interim year has been an incredible journey – a baptism by fire – and I am very proud of our success as we have transitioned into our new school.”

Crosby said her official appointment has made her feel “even more fortunate to spend my days in a beautiful, new, state-of-the-art facility with a professional and dedicated staff and remarkable students.”

She added, “I genuinely consider this principalship a privilege, an honor and a great responsibility. Personally, I am humbled by the overwhelming support and confidence in my work.”

Crosby also said that the “flexibility and support” of her husband and two daughters has been a boon. They “continually inspire me with their kindness, zest and enthusiasm.”

Since Crosby came to Wentworth as the assistant principal three years ago, the school has gone through many transitions, and not only to the new building, but also in the curriculum, the culture and many new staff members, as well, she said.

Her goals for the school include “continuing to develop a common language for instruction through our professional learning teams and continuing to support and encourage technology integration with the resources we now have available.”

Crosby called the Wentworth community “very special” and said “our conscientious, compassionate, bright-eyed and curious students, the families who support our work through volunteerism, collaboration and communication and the hard-working, professional, and dedicated staff all contribute to the culture that makes Wentworth a wonderful place to learn and grow.”

Kelli Crosby