Kalmar Richards steps down as Commissioner of Education
Kalmar Richards has stepped down as the Commissioner of Education after 40 years in public education.
Ms Richards’s retirement was announced as the Ministry of Education named members of its new Board of Education.
A ministry spokeswoman lauded Ms Richards for her advocacy and leadership through monumental challenges.
She said: “As teacher, principal and Commissioner of Education, she provided exceptional leadership, including guiding Bermuda’s public schools through the Covid-19 pandemic and helping advance the island's education reform agenda.
“Her contributions have left a lasting legacy for Bermuda's students, educators and families.”
Radell Tankard will serve as Acting Commissioner of Education until Ms Richards’s long-term replacement has been selected.
Dr Tankard has worked in the Department of Education since 2005 and has served as Acting Permanent Secretary and Assistant Director for Senior Schools
The spokeswoman said: “His extensive experience and steady leadership will help ensure continuity during the transition period while recruitment for a permanent commissioner is under way.”
Kalmar Richards began her education career in 1983 as a high-school teacher before switching to the primary level and later becoming principal of CedarBridge Academy.
As high-school principal, she helped the Devonshire school acquire international accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in 2007 and again in 2017.
After the departure of Freddie Evans, Ms Richards served as acting education commissioner for two months before being formally placed in the role.
Ms Richards’s upcoming retirement made headlines in May after a notice for her position was published on the Government’s career website.
Dawnnelle Walker will serve as chairwoman of the Board of Education, while Lisa DeSilva will serve as deputy chair.
The education ministry spokeswoman said Dr Walker would lead a team of “experienced leaders” in education, business, public service and the community.
Lindsey Simmons, the senator, will sit on the board, as will the Permanent Secretary of Education, Commissioner of Education and representatives for the Bermuda College as ex officio members.
The Board of Education will include Tammy Richardson, Denise Simons, Kenton Trott, Enid Furbert-Jacobs, Lloyquita Symonds, Lamar Caines, Craig Nicholai, Keisha Douglas, Angelika Marshall and Anthony Wolffe.
The developments came as the proposed Education Authority Bill comes close to being unveiled.
The Bill aims to create an independent overseer group for public education.
The spokeswoman said: “The legislation represents a significant milestone in the Government’s education reform agenda and reflects years of research, consultation and planning led by the Education Authority Working Group under the leadership of Mr Phillip Butterfield.”
She added: “With a newly appointed Board of Education, experienced leadership under Acting Commissioner Dr Radell Tankard and significant governance reforms on the horizon, the ministry remains committed to delivering high-quality public education and improved outcomes for Bermuda's children.
“The ministry looks forward to working collaboratively with educators, families and the wider community as the next chapter of education reform unfolds.”
Preparations for public schools to open in September were said to be on track, in tandem with the Ministry of Public Works.
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