A letter from M. Bradford Wirht, Retired Principal at Bridge Point Elementary1997-2016 and Cedar Creek Elementary1993-97 and 2020-21:

​

During school year 2020-21, the COVID year, I was principal of Cedar Creek Elementary School. Among the qualities a successful principal possesses is the identification of leaders who are broad thinkers, eager contributors and honest brokers of the truth. I worked with many such leaders, many of them parents, to navigate the constantly changing challenges of that COVID year. Kelly Marwill is at the top of my list.

​

I met Kelly Marwill in the summer of 2020 in the Cedar Creek gardening complex. She was digging, watering and pulling weeds in brutal heat ensuring the gardens would survive the summer in preparation for a new school year. Anyone who knows Kelly understands she was cheerful, bright spirited and generous with her time. All of her efforts were focused on how the gardens could enhance student learning.

 

During COVID this outdoor learning space was especially important as it provided a more inviting venue for learning than enclosed classrooms. Many times in my years as a principal we attempted to establish a sustained classroom gardening program. For it to succeed a dedicated, hardworking, committed individual was necessary for it to be an integral part of a campus. Kelly Marwill possesses those qualities and the result is a tremendous learning enhancement for Cedar Creek students and their teachers.

​

As preparation for the opening of school during that uncertain season progressed, I observed Kelly Marwill’s influence throughout the campus. A prime indicator was respect and appreciation the teachers and staff reflected regarding Kelly’s many contributions. She served on committees, volunteered in classrooms and leadership groups, applied her professional skills and simply brought sunshine to any setting.

 

As well, Kelly is a Registered Nurse. She provided wise counsel to our leadership team and partnered with our school nurse to interpret and implement the ever-shifting response to COVID and all the time-consuming burdens that were presented. On days our school nurse was out she was a trusted and capable substitute. She voluntarily stood shoulder to shoulder with our nurse throughout the school year and contributed her cheery competence to our campus.

 

 I watched Kelly engage in the complicated politics of that year. COVID dominated, but the implementation of a DEI program was a close second. Both issues ignited passionate responses from parents, staff and sometimes students. I observed Kelly’s calm, fair and deliberative approach to these issues. I was impressed by her innate leadership abilities which modeled for most to focus on the issues and move forward the pursuit of fair and sensible strategies.

​

For 24 years I was principal in your district. I have worked with many outstanding Eanes school board members. They grappled with impossible and conflicting issues, managed school community resources, made tough calls and did the work. Though not always agreeing, I had the highest respect for their commitment and leadership. The Eanes community is blessed with talented, resourceful and experienced patrons with an understanding of what a flagship school district brings to a community. Kelly is among this group.

​

Without hesitation or reservation I endorse Kelly Marwill. She is made for the work of guiding this district. Her demonstrated experience, broad understanding of stakeholders’ priorities, willingness and ability to do the serious work and her delightful disposition all predict success as an Eanes ISD School Board Member. Eanes ISD is most fortunate for her willingness to serve.

​

Sincerely,

M. Bradford Wirht

Retired Principal

Bridge Point 1997-2016

Cedar Creek 1993-97 and 2020-21