Lenox Public Schools

LENOX — When Brenda Kelley, the state’s Elementary School Principal of the Year, arrived by fire truck at her school on Tuesday evening, she was all smiles.

But during an hour-long celebration of her leadership at Morris Elementary since 2020, Kelley dissolved into tears after nearly a dozen tributes and multiple ovations from a cheering crowd of more than 100 students and their families, her own family and friends and school district colleagues.

“I’m overwhelmed,” Kelley confessed, choking back tears. “I stand before you, incredibly humbled and deeply honored. I don’t feel like I do anything special. I just come to school and I do what I do.”

Presenting the state award, Steven Dubzinski of the Massachusetts School Administrators Association noted that Kelley was No. 1 out of about 1,200 elementary principals statewide and should be the nation's principal of the year.

“She’s all about her students, her staff, her colleagues, her community and the parents who live within it,” he said. Dubzinski also called the Lenox school district “the best of the best” in Massachusetts.

Before her appointment to Morris Elementary, Kelley was principal of Allendale Elementary School in Pittsfield from 2014 to 2020. She is also a recent nominee for an award by the National Association of Elementary School Principals as distinguished elementary school principal of the year.

In addition to this statewide award, Kelley is being promoted to a new, phased-in position as districtwide director of curriculum, instruction and assessment. For the 2024-25 school year, she will split her time 50-50 between principal and curriculum director.

Over the next three years, Holly Soules, who was recently appointed assistant principal to the elementary school, will aid in the transition plan for Kelley to take on the new full-time role by 2027. Soules most recently held the position of Dean of Students at Herberg Elementary School.

Lenox School Superintendent William Collins praised Kelley for always thinking about the students.

“Lenox is a better school system because you are here," Collins said.

State Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli, a former Morris student himself, was on hand to present Kelley a citation from Gov. Maura Healey and a resolution from the House of Representatives.

“I’m happy, ecstatic for the town of Lenox for the great work you’re doing keeping Lenox on the map for as a quality place for education,” he said.

Kelley praised the Morris school staff for their passion for education and commitment to students.

"It’s nothing short of inspiring, and each day I’m in awe of the magic you create in your classrooms," she said. "You are the heartbeat of our school, and I share this honor with all of you.”

Kelley also celebrated the support of her husband, the Lenox district’s Director of Student Services Brian Kelley, her family, including her parents in the audience, and her friends.

“Their unwavering encouragement has been my foundation,” she said. “Your belief in me has been my anchor in giving me the strength to face challenges and celebrate success.”

Representing the teaching staff, math specialist Lindsay Osterhoudt pointed out that Kelley is a runner, “and Brenda has not stopped running since she’s become principal at Morris. She is a true champion of teacher morale and well-being, and goes above and beyond to show her appreciation of our hard work.”

Fifth-grade student Eliza Cass congratulated her principal for “making sure every kid feels safe and comfortable at Morris, so no one is being bullied or excluded. ... She’s an awesome principal and we’re so lucky to have her.”