FAYETTE — Assuming the helm of Fayette Central School this year will be Nancy Godfrey, the same woman who has been a teaching principal there for the past four school years.
Godfrey’s hiring was approved unanimously Thursday night by the Fayette School Committee after she was nominated by Superintendent Michael Cormier. Godfrey has held the job since the 2010-11 school year.
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However, the job, which will be divided 70-30 between principal and teacher roles, is contingent on funding approval by voters at a special town meeting set for 7 p.m. Monday at the school. Voters are being asked to add $106,000 to a school budget they approved in June.
“If things pass on Monday night, then we’re ready to go,” Cormier said.
The money is aimed at three different areas:
• almost $15,500 toward a principal/teacher post;
• $52,000 for regular instruction;
• almost $39,000 for special education.
Earlier this year, the school committee eliminated the position in which Godfrey split her time equally between principal and special education teacher. This year, Godfrey will also oversee the special education program.
At the annual Town Meeting in June, voters adopted budget committee and selectmen recommendations to spend $1.6 million on the school rather than follow the School Committee’s recommendation of $1.9 million. That included $57,000 for the teaching principal and the intent was to have a special town meeting if the additional funds were needed.
“We are getting our staffing in place,” Cormier told the five school committee members Thursday night as he recommended a number of people for various roles, most of them part-time. “I think we’re going to be in good shape, and have most things filled. Nancy and I are co-leading.”
Cormier told the five-member board that Godfrey would be working under a one-year contract.
Crystal Vigue was nominated for a post that would involve 70 percent teaching kindergarten through third graders and 30 percent of the time as an educational technician III. She would teach math and science under a first year-probationary contract and Godfrey would be responsible for the math in grades four and five.
As the board met, several town selectmen worked on rehabilitating a flag pole that stands in front of the school.
Also at the school committee meeting, Ted Johnston of Fayette, whose two children attended the school, announced a $2,500 donation from the Marlee Fund to buy books for the school library.
The fund is set up in memory of his daughter, Marlee, who was 14 when she was killed by a neighbor of the same age in November 2005.
“She was a great athlete, but reading was her favorite,” Johnston said, handing over envelope. “We’re hoping we can make a difference.”
Johnston got applause and hugs in response.
Betty Adams — 621-5631
Twitter: @betadams
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