IPS William Bell School 60 and St. Richard’s School both begin the academic year with new heads of school.
Melissa Richards is the new principal at William A. Bell, School #60. She is originally from the Pittsburgh area and graduated from Edinboro University of Pa. with a degree in music education. She moved to Ohio and taught general music and choir for four years. She moved to Indiana when her husband received a scholarship to Indiana University’s School of Music. Once in Indiana she worked in Avon as a music teacher for four years. While at Avon, she received her masters in elementary administration from Butler University and began her career in IPS as an assistant principal at School #44. After four years at IPS 44 she spent eight years as principal of IPS 78. She is excited about the new experience beginning at IPS 60 and looks forward to the neighborhood’s involvement in the education of our children.
Patricia Swenson was formally installed as head of school of St. Richard’s School (SRS) on September 6 at Trinity Church after a nationwide search. Patricia Swenson completed both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in elementary education with a concentration in learning disabilities from Louisiana State University. She served as head of school of Trinity Episcopal Day School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for twenty-eight years and was selected as “Favorite Principal” by Baton Rouge Parents Magazine. Ms. Swenson was drawn to St. Richard’s by the school’s traditions, the diversity of the student body, and the warmth of the families, faculty and staff.