HR 2053

Commending Ellen Colter.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, April 23, 2026
WHEREAS, Ellen Colter, a distinguished educator and school administrator who touched the lives of countless young people, is retiring as assistant principal of Keene Mill Elementary School after a 40-year career in education; and
WHEREAS, a proud graduate of the University of Virginia, Teachers College at Columbia University, and George Mason University, Ellen Colter worked as a teacher in Virginia Beach, New York City, and Germany before joining Fairfax County Public Schools in 2002; and
WHEREAS, Ellen Colter served as assistant principal of the former Clifton Elementary School from August 2005 to June 2011, when she became assistant principal of Keene Mill Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, Ellen Colter had an unwavering commitment to academic excellence and demonstrated strong support for students, while cultivating a vibrant sense of school spirit; and
WHEREAS, Ellen Colter brought humor and warmth to her work, delighting others through her ability to produce interesting facts about history and pop culture; and
WHEREAS, Ellen Colter was known for making lasting connections with both students and staff, and was highly admired for her impressive memory, never forgetting a name; and
WHEREAS, Ellen Colter built a welcoming community and spearheaded the Kangas CARE initiative, recognizing student leaders who foster cooperation, acceptance, responsibility, and empathy; and
WHEREAS, Ellen Colter developed a comprehensive understanding of the special education program and ensured the needs of all students were properly met; and
WHEREAS, Ellen Colter worked closely with teachers to promote strong instructional practices and effective interventions, supporting teachers so they were able to positively impact student learning; and
WHEREAS, Ellen Colter served as the school testing coordinator, ensuring that testing environments met and exceeded division and state expectations; and
WHEREAS, Ellen Colter played a vital role in helping Keene Mill Elementary School fulfill its mission to provide a safe learning environment that nurtures creativity and innovation, empowering today's learners to become tomorrow's leaders; and
WHEREAS, Ellen Colter was a trusted mentor to students, a valuable resource to the principals under whom she served, and a steadfast partner to the other assistant principals, staff members, and teachers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Ellen Colter hereby be commended for her achievements as an educator and school administrator on the occasion of her retirement as assistant principal of Keene Mill Elementary School; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Ellen Colter as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her legacy of contributions to young people and decades of service to Fairfax County Public Schools.