Change on Way to Simpson Elementary as BOE Names Jill Steele as New Principal Starting in 2015-16
By Jeff Toquinto on April 25, 2015 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
After more than a quarter century in the world of education, Bridgeport’s Jill Steele wasn’t necessarily looking for a change of venue when the change eventually found her. Because of that, Steele will begin the start of the 2015-16 school calendar year in a new location that’s much closer to home.
Steele will be the new principal at Simpson Elementary next year. The move comes after serving as the assistant principal at Nutter Fort 
Intermediate for the last four years.
Intermediate for the last four years.
“I’m thrilled with the opportunity and about what is coming next,” said Steele. “I like the idea of a new challenge and I especially look forward to working in the community in which I reside."
Steele will replace long-time Simpson Elementary Principal Loria Reid. Despite looking forward to the position, when it first came open, it wasn’t something that she immediately went after. In fact, it initially took some prodding from her husband Tom – a lifelong Bridgeport resident – for the consideration to being.
“When I initially learned Mrs. Reid was going to retire, the opportunity at Simpson seemed like a logical progression from an assistant principal's position, and Tom mentioned it to me, but I didn’t necessarily feel led to apply at first,” she said. “My focus at that time remained here at Nutter Fort Intermediate. I have always just wanted to be the best assistant principal that I could be.”
Steele said, eventually, the thought process began to change as time began to pass. And as she frequently does when something important in her life is facing her, she said she turned to her faith.
“When the job was actually posted, I began to search for the answer by seeking God. For any decision I have to make that will have an impact on my family and others, I always turn toward my faith,” said Steele, who lives very close to the school she will soon lead. “I prayed for direction. When I did that, I felt like this was the opportunity I needed to pursue. Soon, it became clear to me that this was the direction to go.”
For Steele, the chance to “come home” as an educator is the next step in what has been a long journey in the teaching arena. She has been teaching since 1989 and has as diversified a background as an educator one might find. Along with her current duties, her teaching resume includes stops at Mountaineer Middle School, work as a substitute, working in the private school setting and teaching out of state.
“You don’t realize how long you’ve been doing this until you look back at where you’ve been. It’s hard to imagine I started in 1989,” said Steele with a laugh.
For Steele, she’s extremely excited about working at Simpson and getting involved with the community. She’s well aware that the Bridgeport school system – Simpson included – is known for community and parental involvement.
“Simpson is very connected as a community school and sadly, that's something that's been lost all over our country in recent years,” said Steele, who finished her education at Davis & Elkins. “Simpson sits in the middle of the Bridgeport community, and the result of that is that I’ll be partnering with parents that are very involved, plus I’ll be working with a faculty and staff who are also deeply committed to our students."
“I’m looking forward to this is so many ways” she continued. “I’m certain it’s going to be fabulous.”
