Transportation Director

Says Farewell

By Larissa Lytwyn

Transportation Director Mary Kelly recently chose to pursue an early retirement, officially ending her near 16-year tenure January 9, 2004.

“I will still be around [Newtown] doing consulting work,” said Ms Kelly, a Wolcott resident. “But I look forward to spending more time with my family.”

Ms Kelly and her son and daughter all live within a one and quarter mile of each other, she said. During her mother’s passing a few months ago and her sister’s death last year, Ms Kelly said she appreciated her family’s closeness. “I recognize what is most important in life: accomplishments and family,” she said.

Ms Kelly first began her career as a bus driver. “It was ideal, because you could spend time with your children in-between,” she said.

Prior to serving Newtown, Ms Kelly spent several years working as a transportation coordinator in Cheshire. “Working as a bus driver gave me the opportunity to really appreciate the state’s transportation system,” she said. “I love transportation. I love caring for children — and that is what is about, the children.”

Now that two major changes over the past year, namely the opening of Reed Intermediate last January and this September’s three-tier system, are largely “done,” Ms Kelly feels that her time has come.

“There were times during in this position that I really missed my family,” she said. “I’m really happy to be with them.”

“Newtown is a wonderful community,” Ms Kelly said. “I’ve really enjoyed the children, and the parents, and the Board of Education.”