J. Lindsay Florence Named Principal of Mercer

August 20, 2004 -- J. Lindsay Florence has been appointed principal of Mercer Elementary School. He will replace Patricia Heilbron, who is retiring at the end of September after nine years at Mercer.

Florence, who began his Shaker career in 1992 as a physical education teacher at Shaker Heights Middle School, has been an assistant principal at Woodbury and, most recently, the Middle School. In 2000-2001, he was principal with the Willow Run Community Schools in Ypsilanti, Michigan and returned to Shaker as an assistant principal at the Middle School in 2001.

Florence, 41, holds a bachelor's degree from Ohio Northern University and a master's in educational administration from Cleveland State University. He was in the first group of aspiring principals selected for the First Ring Leadership Academy, a foundation-supported professional preparation program based at Cleveland State.

Heilbron has accepted a new position working with agencies and community groups that provide out-of-school programming for youth.

Following is the text of a letter sent today from Heilbron to Mercer staff members and families:

August 20, 2004

Dear Members of the Mercer School Community,

It is with mixed feelings that I announce my retirement from the Shaker Heights City School District this fall.   I would like to express my thanks to the Mercer School community for the wonderful experiences I have had here over the last nine years.   I have learned a great deal from you and I will fondly remember the time that I have spent at Mercer.   Together we have done wonderful work for and with children.

I am fortunate to be able to continue working to benefit children.   I will be working with agencies and community groups that provide out-of-school programming for youth.

It is with pleasure that I introduce my colleague, Lindsay Florence, who will be the new principal at Mercer School.   Many of you may already know Mr. Florence from Woodbury School or Shaker Heights Middle School, where he has worked as an administrator and a teacher.   Mr. Florence and I will be working together through the transition period.   I am delighted to leave Mercer in such capable hands.

Mr. Florence and I will be at Open House on Wednesday, September 8 th (grades 3 and 4) and on Tuesday, September 21 st (grades K, 1, 2). At the end of the evening, we will be in the Mercer library.   Please stop in and talk with us.

I will be in the building on a daily basis through September 30 th .   As always, feel free to call me with any questions or comments.   As you may know, I live in the Mercer community and will continue to do so.   This is a wonderful school community and a great place to live.

I know that you will quickly come to like and respect Mr. Florence as much as I do. He is a talented and dedicated leader. I wish you all the best in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Patricia D. Heilbron

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