Embodying everything a great educator needs to be, Stacie Battaglia has meant a lot to South Meadows Elementary School and the Chelsea School District.

This is why her send-off into retirement on June 10 was an emotional one. With family members in attendance, the longtime principal at South Meadows in Chelsea was recognized at the CSD Board of Educational meeting after serving in the school district as both a teacher and principal for over 20 years.

CSD Superintendent Michael Kapolka presented Battaglia with an honorary plaque and on behalf of the district said words of appreciation and thanks.

Here is what he said:
“Today, we gather to celebrate the incredible career of a remarkable individual who has dedicated the past 22 years (actually around 24 years, which includes her substituting for the district) to the Chelsea School District. It is with a mixture of pride, admiration, and a touch of sadness that we honor Stacie Battaglia as she embarks on her well-deserved retirement.”

“Stacie Battaglia’s journey with us has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has served our community as both a teacher and an administrator, and in every role, she has exemplified the highest standards of dedication, compassion, and professionalism. Her passionate advocacy for both students and staff has left an indelible mark on our district.”

“As a teacher, Stacie’s classroom was a place of learning, growth, and inspiration. Her caring and loving nature towards her students created an environment where every child felt valued and supported. She had an innate ability to see the potential in each student, nurturing their strengths and guiding them with patience and understanding. Stacie’s impact as a teacher extended far beyond the walls of her classroom, influencing the lives of countless students who have gone on to achieve great things.”

“When Stacie transitioned into her role as an administrator, she brought with her the recipe of unwavering commitment to excellence while supporting the growth of her building staff. As the principal of South Meadows Elementary, she was a tireless advocate for the needs of her school. Her dedication ensured that South Meadows was not just a place of education, but a community where students thrived and felt a deep sense of belonging. Stacie’s leadership was characterized by her ability to listen, her willingness to collaborate, and her determination to make every decision in the best interest of her students and staff. Simply put: Stacie’s staff loves her and she loves them.”

“Beyond her contributions to South Meadows, Stacie has always been a team player at the district level. She has worked collaboratively with her colleagues to enhance our educational programs, while fostering a culture of mutual respect and support. Her insights, experience, and passion have been invaluable to our district’s growth and success.”

“Stacie is not just a beloved colleague; she is a cherished friend to many of us. Her positive attitude, her infectious enthusiasm, and her genuine care for others have made her an irreplaceable part of our administrative team.”

“As Stacie steps into this new chapter of her life, we know that her legacy will continue to inspire us. While we will miss her daily presence, we are grateful for the years we have had with her and the countless lives she has touched. Her retirement is a celebration of a career well-lived, a career that has made a profound difference in our community.”

School board president Kate Henson followed up his comments and said the first thing she noticed when walking into South Meadows was the feeling of a positive, educational culture. Henson said it was obvious there was dedication and purpose in everything Battaglia did.

A teary-eyed Battaglia also spoke before the board and gathered public. She looked back at moving to the Chelsea community and the early stages of her children going to school and how that led to volunteering opportunities for her to eventually becoming a fifth-grade teacher in 2002 and principal in 2013.

“I don’t know how to begin expressing my gratitude for each and every opportunity and for the education my children received,” she said.

When asked what is one thing she will miss, she replied that she “will miss it all.”

Expressing a deep appreciation and gratitude, she thanked the students, families, teachers, school board, administrative team, superintendent, assistant superintendent and her family.

She ended by saying “thank you all.”