May 23rd, 2023
Subject: Announcement - Departure of Our Beloved Principal
Dear Plainfield Community
It is with a mix of emotions that I write to inform you of a significant change within our high school community. After a tenure of 28 years as an educator in our schools, our Plainfield High School Principal, Dr. Christopher Bitgood has made the decision to embark on a new chapter in his professional journey. On July 1st, Dr. Bitgood will be leaving our school to assume the role of Superintendent of Canterbury Public Schools.
Dr. Bitgood's tenure in Plainfield is worthy of recognition. It is rare to find an educator who has committed so much to one district. During his time at PHS, Dr. Bitgood has demonstrated a unique ability to find the potential in people and he has shown the courage to develop that potential. He has placed educators in situations where they can be successful so that students can be successful. When our community speaks of programs at Plainfield High School, we often boast of our strong programs in industrial arts, our innovative programs in computers and nursing and our award-winning programs in theater, music and the arts. What is often missed is that behind the success of so many celebrated programs has been the quiet leadership of Dr. Bitgood who ensured the growth and success of programs at Plainfield High School. For all he has contributed to our school community, we are grateful.
Several community members have already reached out to ask about the process for the selection of our new principal. I want our students, parents and staff to be confident that we are committed to ensuring our students remain supported during this leadership transition. We have initiated the search for a new High School Principal, the details of which will be outlined on our district website. Please know that will keep our community informed and involved in the selection process, as the input and feedback of the PHS community are important to us. As we move forward, I am confident our community will find a leader who possesses the qualities that align with our school's mission and who believes in the unlimited potential of our students.
It is difficult to find words to express our gratitude for what Dr. Bitgood has achieved. On behalf of our entire Plainfield family, I would like to extend our sincerest congratulations to Dr. Chris Bitgood as he begins this exciting new chapter in his leadership. We are profoundly grateful for all he has done for our community, and we know his leadership will have a lasting impact on Plainfield High School. We wish him all the best as he embarks on this new adventure in Canterbury and we are confident he will continue to make a difference in the lives of students and educators.
Best wishes on an outstanding future.