Christiansburg Elementary School’s current principal Kelly Roark will serve as Price’s Fork Elementary School’s principal beginning July 1, the Montgomery County School Board announced at Tuesday’s board meeting.

Board members unanimously approved Roark to succeed Domenic Saia, who has been the school’s principal since 2015. District B representative Penny Franklin was not present at the meeting and did not participate in the the vote.

In a letter sent home to parents last week, Saia explained he was stepping down from the position to spend more time with his family and look into other administrative opportunities.

“I will deeply miss being a part of Price’s Fork Elementary, and I am very grateful for all the ways that you have supported me during my time here,” Saia wrote. “It has been a privilege and honor for me to serve Price’s Fork Elementary over the last two years.”

Roark, who has been Christiansburg Elementary School’s principal for the past six years, said in a Montgomery County Public Schools press release that she is looking forward to her new position.

“I am passionate about Title I schools and seeing students benefit from a cohesive instructional team,” said Roark. “I look forward to continuing this work at Price’s Fork. It is a learning community that wants to see every student be successful and I am fortunate to be selected as their next leader.”

 

“I am passionate about Title I schools and seeing students benefit from a cohesive instructional team,” said Roark. “I look forward to continuing this work at Price’s Fork. It is a learning community that wants to see every student be successful and I am fortunate to be selected as their next leader.”

Roark taught in the district for eight years before becoming assistant principal at Auburn Elementary School and then taking over the principal position at Christiansburg Elementary School in 2011.

Superintendent Mark Miear praised Roark’s work in the press release.

“Kelly has a history with MCPS and a proven track record with helping a school continue to achieve,” said Superintendent Mark Miear. “She is a strong instructional leader with a passion for elementary education that will benefit the Price’s Fork community.”

MCPS spokesperson Brenda Drake said Roark’s current salary is $76,287, and that it will remain the same for her new position at Price’s Fork unless the school board approves an employee salary step increase in next year’s budget.

According to the press release, Roark received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Radford University and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, also from Radford University.