Conaway thrilled to head Milton Elementary

Milton’s new principal, Beth Conaway, is a true Sussex County girl.

She grew up in Seaford and graduated from Seaford High School in 1986. After four years at James Madison University, she returned to Sussex County with a bachelor’s degree in early education and was certified in special education.

She went straight to work in the Milford school district where she taught for eight years before moving to Indian River School District to teach third grade and kindergarten for 11 years. Conaway now lives in Georgetown with her husband and two sons, 20 and 22 – both Sussex Central grads now attending University of Delaware.

Her bubbly personality takes over when she talks about her years in education.

“I love early childhood, but also liked teaching third grade,” she said.

Conaway eventually took an administrative job as coordinator for new teacher mentoring in Indian River. She continued her studies at University of Delaware, earning a master’s degree in instruction and later a doctorate in education in 2014.

After 19 years of teaching experience, Conaway was named assistant principal at Evelyn I. Morris Early Childhood Center and promoted to principal a year later.

She fondly recalls her time as principal of Milford’s kindergarten center, but admits she longed for an opportunity to watch students mature each school year.

“I missed watching children progress through elementary school,” she said. “I wanted to see them grow educationally and emotionally.”

When the principal position opened at Milton Elementary, she saw an opportunity for change.

“I couldn’t think of a better time to be part of the Cape community,” she said.

Voter approval of a $154 million referendum in March to improve district elementaries set in motion plans for renovation and new additions at Milton Elementary.

Work is slated to begin when a new H.O. Brittingham is opened in 2018. Milton Elementary students will use the old HOB building while their school is renovated.

Conaway said she is working with new HOB Principal Ned Gladfelter on bringing the two schools together, since they will share the same campus during construction.

“We’re going to try to collaborate as much as possible, especially since everyone is from Milton,” she said.

Already, she said, the principals worked a concession booth during Milton movie night on July 28 at Milton Memorial Park, and they have scheduled a Milton Mingle for staffs from both schools on Aug. 22.

Conaway said she is meeting with her staff by grade level to get to know them. “Everyone has been so welcoming,” she said.

She looks forward to meeting students and parents when school opens Sept. 6, and is working to provide school information in English and Spanish.

“We want to be welcoming to everyone in the community,” she said.