MIDDLEBURY — Middlebury Union Middle School Principal Inga Duktig resigned last week, citing her readiness to “transition to the next chapter of my career as an educator.”
Duktig’s resignation takes effect on July 1, though Friday, March 9, was her last day on the job. That’s because she was granted a paid leave of absence for the balance of the academic year, according to Addison Central Supervisory Union interim Superintendent Gail Conley.
Officials confirmed that Duktig was under contract for the 2012-2013 year. But Duktig said she felt now was the right time to step down, after 12-and-a-half years at MUMS.
“This absolutely was my choice for a variety of personal and professional reasons,” Duktig said during a phone interview on Friday. “This became the right time for me to leave. While I know it is unusual for an administrator to depart mid-year, I do so knowing the school is in great hands with Patrick Reen, the assistant principal, ready to step in with the support of wonderful teachers.”
The MUMS community was informed of Duktig’s departure through an e-mail sent out on Friday.
“Inga Duktig has asked for a leave of absence for the rest of this academic year and has resigned from her contract for next year,” reads the e-mail, signed by Conley. “Patrick Reen has accepted a contract as acting principal for this year and a contract for interim principal for next year.
“During these transition 15 months, Patrick will provide effective and consistent leadership for the students and the faculty. We expect absolutely no lapses in any part of the academic or activity programs for any student. We also thank Inga for years of positive service to our students and wish her well in her next career move. A copy of her letter has also been sent by email for your information.”
In her four-paragraph resignation letter, Duktig thanks the school officials with whom she has worked and said she believes she is leaving MUMS in good hands. She also asks that she be considered for any administrative benefits or incentive programs that might be considered by the UD-3 school district board for administrators during the coming months. Conley noted that there are no early retirement incentive programs or sabbatical options for ACSU administrators at this time.
“This was a completely mutual agreement,” Conley said of Duktig’s departure.
Meanwhile, Conley said the ACSU is likely to hire some administrative support for Reen, who will be invited to apply for the principal’s position next year. That administrative help could come in the form of a new assistant principal or a dean of students, he said.
The MUMS principalship becomes one of several high-profile administrative positions within the ACSU to see turnover during the past year. The district is currently looking for a new superintendent and associate superintendent. The business manager’s position was recently filled after the previous holder of that post resigned after not showing up to work for several weeks.
Reporter John Flowers is at [email protected].