ToquiNotes: Total Principal Makeover of City Schools Complete as Jeovanna Comer in Place at Simpson
By Jeff Toquinto on August 19, 2023 from ToquiNotes
Jeovanna Comer is no stranger to surprises that come with the education system. She has been around long enough to know there are even more surprises you deal with when you are a principal.
Even with that, there was nothing preparing her for the surprise that greeted her July 20. It not only would change the former principal at Norwood Elementary School’s world upside down in short order, but the worlds of hundreds of children, their families, and a dedicated work force.
“I was contacted by (Harrison County Schools Administrative Assistant for Elementary Schools and Curriculum Development) Mrs. (Julie) Mancini, who said she and (Superintendent) Mrs. (Dora) Stutler needed to speak with me,” said Comer. “Shortly thereafter, I got the word that Norwood would not be able to be open due to structural problems, and that the building was deemed unsafe for students and would most likely close immediately.”
While her own status in the education world was in limbo, Comer’s first concern came where all dedicated educator’s concerns lie. The concern was with the nearly 300 students who were about to be displaced and the loyal staff.
“The first thing that enters your mind is that school starts in a month and you worry about what we are going to do with the children,” said Comer. “Thankfully, even though there are always hurdles, we have most of the kids going to Nutter Fort and more than 70 going to Simpson Elementary.”
Staff have also been reassigned to new schools. Some to Simpson, some to Nutter Fort, some to other schools through the bidding process. Comer has also been reassigned.
“I was brought in to discuss my position and my continuation in the county, With the majority of the students going to Nutter Fort, both with multiple administrators on each side, Simpson could benefit from an additional person. Other options were considered, including middle school and high school positions posted at the time,” Comer said. “I politely declined because I knew those positions could interfere with my time with my son (Costa). The most favorable and ideal option was serving as a co-principal at Simpson due to the additions putting the school over 500 students, I felt thankful and at peace.”
Now, Comer is not only adding to a year that has witnessed every single principal position in the city’s four public schools having a new person in place, but she is also actually adding to the new faces by being in a new role. On top of that, Comer could take a healthy jog to and from work each day as a resident of Bridgeport.
While we will get back to Comer’s status as a city resident, it should probably be noted on how she got into the position of being an 
educator who will be helping with fellow principal Todd Rubenstein to lead the school in the first year since Jill Steele announced her retirement.
educator who will be helping with fellow principal Todd Rubenstein to lead the school in the first year since Jill Steele announced her retirement.
Comer graduated as Jeovanna Lacaria from Peters Township High School in McMurray Pa. She found her way to the Mountain State when she attended Fairmont State University, graduating in 2001 with a bachelor's degree of science in education elementary with a specialization in kindergarten through eighth grade. She would eventually earn her master’s degree on the same Marion County campus with a certificate in principal, superintendent, and supervisory on the education front.
Comer’s actual real-world teaching experience began as a substitute in 2001. She began with two years of long-term sub positions in Marion County – in Rivesville and Monongah. Her route after that, however, was not standard.
Comer went into RESA – Regional Education Service Agencies – where she blossomed on several fronts as she ran the 21st Century After-School Programs. She also served as the Deputy Director of professional development, curriculum, and ended her journey as the administrative assistant of curriculum and instruction. She was there from 2003 until 2017 (RESAs were defunded by the Legislature and the bill was signed by Gov. Jim Justice in 2017).
It was after that when Comer became an administrator in the public school setting. Her first stint took her south of Harrison County. Comer spent four years as an assistant principal, and one as Principal, at Peterson-Central Elementary School in Lewis County in a position she “absolutely loved.”
Still, with family in Harrison County and a young child, she wanted to be as close to home as possible. When a late opportunity arrived to facilitate that, two days prior to the start of the 2022-23 school year in fact, Jeovanna Comer took advantage of it and was named 
Norwood Elementary School Principal.
Norwood Elementary School Principal.
“Considering the time frame this may sound odd, but I felt comfortable right away. The staff was so welcoming, and I was intent to use my expertise in climate and culture to build relationships, and that worked,” she said. “I quickly developed a rapport with the families, students and staff and was welcomed in.”
Comer was convinced her move was correct at the open house last year at Norwood. In what she was told was perhaps the biggest gathering at an open house ever, she said the kindness of the community was overwhelming.
“All the families were there with open arms,” said Comer. “It made the switch so much easier, and something I’ll always appreciate.”
The kindness of the entire community made the news that Norwood was closing a year later, a bitter pill to swallow. Yet, it was one Comer knew was not avoidable as she hopes this new chapter is beneficial to not just her – but students and their families as well as the staff that is on the move.
“The one thing I wanted to be certain of, for me, was that Mr. Rubenstein was okay with what was being considered, and that he was good with my addition as Co-Principal. I know for sure we both are doing what we should in this situation, and that is to make the children’s education our top priority,” she said.
Getting to the point of making it official that Comer would be at Simpson was not instant. However, when it was, she was more than happy 
to let her husband Doug know about it and could not wait to see her son Costa’s reaction. Costa will be in second grade at Simpson this year and now his mother will be one of his principals.
to let her husband Doug know about it and could not wait to see her son Costa’s reaction. Costa will be in second grade at Simpson this year and now his mother will be one of his principals.
“When I told Costa, he was over the moon. He wanted to know if I could take him to and from school,” said Comer. “That smile and his reaction took some of the sting off what had transpired.”
Comer’s actual first day at Simpson Elementary was August 10. Prior to that, she said her goal was to make sure all the students and staff from Norwood were placed, and answering concerns from those involved. In the last few days, she is getting to know members of her new staff in her new community school.
“(Sunday) night was my first experience with most of the staff, participating in the PTA back to school pool party. They were welcoming and it gave me the chance to mingle with staff outside the regular school day. I had the opportunity to meet additional staff leading a professional development session concerning our school data,” said Comer on Monday. “My hope is they know that I have an open door policy and am easily accessible. Additionally, that I am viewed as a resource and willing to help with any need or issue that may arise. It’s still early, however, I know I will formulate a positive relationship and rapport with staff, students, and the Simpson families.”
While things are moving forward, Comer is looking forward to Monday, August 21. The reason is a simple one – the first day with students.
“I honestly can’t wait. Everything that has taken place this summer comes to a halt when you see students coming through the doors. I know I’m excited and that will be easily observed,” said Comer. “It’s going to be a great year, because the students are our why and it can’t be about anything else. Our children need to know they are loved and having caring adults in their schools. We’re in the business of fostering the educational growth of children, and we want that business to be positive.”
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Jeovanna Comer outside of her new school, while she is shown with son Costa and husband Doug in the second photo. In the third photo, Comer and Co-Principal Todd Rubenstein are shown at a recent special Bridgeport City Council meeting talking about the school system with the city's governing body. Bottom photo shows Comer during her opening days of the 2022-23 school year at Norwood Elementary.
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