Kelso resigning to become special education director

Principal Bob Kelso will change his job title next school year, when he returns as the school's Special Education Director.

The School Board accepted his resignation in a special meeting last Wednesday, during which they rehired him for the position being vacated by Debi Roman.

He said that a number of factors contributed to the job change, including the death of close friend Marcus Fuhrman.

"It served to remind me how important it is to treat every day as a gift, that we should pursue the things that make us feel fulfilled," he said.

The successful debut of his melodrama, "Grand Larceny at the Grand Canyon Elevator or Who Gets the Shaft?" also played a part in that he hopes to have more time and energy to spend on further developing the South Rim Repertory.

Special education is where he started his career. He worked with people with handicaps through high school and while attending Penn State, where he received his degree in Special Education. He began teaching in Delaware, where his first job was with severely developmentally delayed students for four years. He also taught first grade special ed before moving to the principal track.

"My vision for my future is to return to, what are for me, some gratifying pursuits," he said. "As Special Ed Director, I'll be able to have more student contact that will be in more positive circumstances. I will be able to continue to work with an excellent group of colleagues, and I'll get more opportunities for the satisfactions that fulfill every great teacher. I'll be able to be help students get to some A-ha! moments."

He took over as principal of Grand Canyon School in 2003, moving west to be closer to his parents, who live in the Phoenix area.

"This change is entirely on my initiative," Kelso said. "I am grateful to Dr. Breen and our board for all their support. I am thankful to the talented and dedicated staff for all of their great work while I was principal. I am particularly grateful to my wife, Laura, who has encouraged me to pursue this new chapter."

There will be a special School Board meeting today at 5 p.m. to discuss the possible search and hire for a new principal.