Parker Elementary Principal Resigning, Replacement Announced

NEW BEDFORD - After only two years on the job, the principal of the Parker Elementary School is resigning.

Lynn Dessert is expected to officially announce tomorrow she is leaving the underperforming school, which has remained at Level 5 status under her leadership.

Dessert was made the principal of Parker Elementary in 2015, after she began working in the district as a special education teacher, and more recently served as the district's data assessment manager and the interim principal at the Devalles Elementary School.

In a written statement, New Bedford Superintendent of Schools Dr. Pia Durkin says Dessert is taking a new position in a local, non-urban district. Dr. Durkin says Dessert's replacement is Sandra Ford, a longtime New Bedford educator of 33 years. Dr. Durkin says during her career, Ford has "shown the commitment and drive to do the very best for Parker Scholars."

"She has come to know and care for your children and will continue to work with Parker’s teachers to help them to do their very best for the students at Parker.   Ms. Ford, in working with the entire team at Parker, is poised to continue to increase the achievement of the school and provide a safe and productive learning environment for the children of the  John A. Parker Elementary School."