PORT ORCHARD — Theressa Prather is stepping down as building principal at Manchester Elementary at the end of the school year.

Prather made the announcement to staff members at the school on June 12.

According to Amy Miller, South Kitsap School District spokeswoman, Prather requested that she be assigned to a classroom at South Kitsap in “the best interests of her family.”

Prather, who has been principal at Manchester since 2014, said that she’s proud of what has been accomplished at the elementary school the past three years.

“Our school has gone from a low-performing school to a top performer in our district,” she said.

While the timeline for hiring a replacement hasn’t been determined, district Superintendent Karst Brandsma said the role will be filled soon.

“We appreciate Ms. Prather’s leadership and the improvement that Manchester Elementary has shown under her guidance,” Brandsma said.

“During her tenure, she has made a significant impact on the school and culture.”

— edited by Bob Smith