Mayor Purzycki Announces Street Renaming for Dr. Newton and Superintendent Green Announces Warner Library Dedication in the Principal’s Honor 

Wilmington Mayor Purzycki has expressed the City’s condolences to Paula Newton, wife of Warner Elementary School Principal Dr. Terrance Newton, who passed away this week following a recent traffic accident. The Mayor told Ms. Newton on Monday that the City is mourning Dr. Newton’s passing along with her and her family, as well as with the school community of students, faculty and administrators, friends, and admirers.
 
Mayor Purzycki and Red Clay Superintendent Dorrell Green today announced two actions to honor Dr. Newton for his commitment to education, to students and their families, and to the community at large.  With the concurrence of Ms. Newton and the administration of Warner Elementary School, the City will rename a portion of West 18^th Street, from Franklin Street to Van Buren Street parallel to the school, as Dr. Terrance Newton Way. The Red Clay District will dedicate the Warner School library in Dr. Newton’s honor.  Superintendent Green said with the library located in the center of the school, the Dr. Terrance Newton Library Center will forever remain the heartbeat of the school.
 
“The unexpected and heartbreaking death of Dr. Newton is a tragic loss for our City and especially for the Warner Elementary students and their families with whom he shared a special bond, as well as the school staff, whom he cared for and supported wholeheartedly,” said Mayor Purzycki. “Terrance Newton escaped the violence that still plagues too many of Wilmington’s streets and knew better than most the importance of letting children know that they are loved and valued. With unmatched energy and dedication, Principal “Newt,” as he was affectionately known by his young charges, relentlessly pursued the goal of changing the world by lifting up one student at a time. He was a passionate advocate and inspirational leader who transformed young lives and, by extension, our larger City community for the better. Moreover, his exuberant spirit and unorthodox approach to building young people’s self-esteem endeared him to admirers far beyond the borders of our small City and State.  I am proud to have called Terrance Newton my friend, and his loss will be felt for a long time to come.”
 
“Dr. Newton was a true advocate for students and a genuine supporter of his staff,” said Superintendent Green. “He was an innovative and dynamic school leader that put the whole child first.  He developed systems to not only address academics, but he also incorporated broader services that made Warner such a special place for students, staff, families, and the community at large.  Newt’s high energy, infectious personality and passion for his school community was unparalleled.”
 
Mayor Purzycki and Superintendent Green said a ceremony will be scheduled in the near future to rename the portion of West 18^th Street and to dedicate the library in Dr. Newton’s honor. But first, they said, the community will prepare to bid farewell to Dr. Newton during services scheduled for early April.

Mayor Mike Purzycki and Dr. Terrance Newton