Retired principals leave a mark: Carol Lord

Carol Lord

Hall-Kent Elementary

Carol Lord has dedicated the last 40 years of her life to ensuring that students who pass through the halls of Hall-Kent Elementary receive the best developmental education the school can offer them.

Lord began her teaching career at Hall-Kent in 1973, when she served as a first-grade teacher. She then became the school’s Title I reading specialist, and in 1998 she served as the interim assistant principal.

The following year, Lord was named Hall-Kent’s assistant principal, and in 2002, she became the school’s principal.

“She’s left a legacy at Hall-Kent by treating the students, faculty and staff like family,” said Becky Salls, a 32-year teacher at Hall-Kent and longtime colleague and friend of Lord. “She wanted what’s best for the students and the school, and I think that’s what guided her through the years.”

According to Salls, Lord leaves a legacy of instilling the love of reading and a respect for school in the students.

“I think the way she carried herself had an impact on the school,” Salls said. “She always had a smile on her face. She handled every situation with dignity and fairness.”

Each year at the school’s Fall Festival, Lord and her friend, school counselor Jackie Hughes-Merrill, would auction off a “spend the night at the school party.” The winners would get to spend the night with their princicpal and counselor, play games, and eat what Lord and Hughes-Merrill baked for them.

“She loved this community and she loved the kids,” Salls said. “The kids felt comfortable going to her and being around her. Her focus was always what was best for the kids and what was best for Hall-Kent”