As the 2014-2015 school year concludes there are a number of faculty and staff changes that are either in the works or have been made for the 2015-2016 school year. Somewhat like a stack of dominoes, as each vacancy is resolved, an internal transfer results in an additional vacancy. Vacancies are first discussed with qualified internal candidates, and should no transfer be identified, then the position is publicly advertised and an open search process commences. As of June 15th, the following staff changes are either resolved or pending for the 2015-2016 school year.
Mrs. Kristine Clopton has moved from Technology Teacher to the newly created Language Based Learning Disabilities Teacher. Mrs. Clopton’s special education background and her interest in working with children identified with dyslexia and other language based learning issues make her ideally suited to lead Saint Mary’s efforts to assist students and parents to master reading.
Ms. Vicki Oliver has moved from Fifth Grade Teacher to Technology Teacher. With a degree in information technology and experience prior to teaching that centered on information technologies, Ms. Oliver brings both an academic preparation and real world experience to the computer lab.
Mrs. Patty Benton has moved from Second Grade (bubble class!) Teacher to Fifth Grade Teacher. With children who have progressed through Saint Mary’s fifth grade, Mrs. Benton has both an educator’s and parent’s perspective that will help craft a successful fifth grade year for her new class.
It is anticipated that the second grade vacancy will be filled for the 2015-2016 school year, and the class will remain intact with a new teacher assigned. The search process has been initiated with a canvas of internal interest. If there is no internal transfer to this vacancy, it will be publicly advertised and the standard hiring procedures will be followed.
The vacant Special Education (Gifted and Talented) position vacated by Mrs. Coughlan remains open and is currently in the public advertisement period. Anticipating the hiring of a qualified teacher, contingency plans for continuing the accelerated math program are being formulated should a teacher not be hired before the start of school.