FARMINGTON — Regional School Unit 9 Board of Directors recognized the passing of former W.G. Mallett principal Gerald “Gerry” Glen Libby on Tuesday, Jan 24. Libby passed on Monday, Jan. 16, at the age of 85 and served as W.G. Mallett’s principal for 32 years.
News of Libby’s passing was announced to the board by Director Gloria McGraw of Farmington.
“I wanted to mention that Gerry Libby passed away this week and many of us know, [he served] 32 years as Mallett’s school principal,” she said. “So, I think we should at least maybe recognize that passing and honor the 32 years he spent in this district.”
Born in 1937 in Hartland, ME, Libby was a passionate educator and dedicated his life to teaching. Graduating from Berwick Academy in June of 1955, Libby came to live in Farmington in 1963, where he became integral to the community.
On top of serving as principal at Mallett, Libby served as interim principal for smaller schools in West Farmington, New Sharon, Farmington Falls, Industry, and New Vineyard.
Libby was also actively involved in several grange associations, such as the Thornes Corner Grange in Freeport, the Farmington Grange, Maine State Grange, and the National Grange. Before retiring in January of this year, Libby served as Treasurer of the Farmington Grange for 39 years.
He is survived by his wife Patricia (Guigere) Libby, his two sons Kevin and Brian, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
In other business, the board approved the sabbatical request from Mt. Blue High School mathematics teacher Meng Hardy. Hardy will be taking the 2023-2024 school year to take online classes at either University of Maine Farmington, or University of Maine to better her understanding of data analysis and actuarial science.
“I strive to be a life-long learner, and I enjoy taking on new challenges,” she said in her request. “The hybrid teaching model in the school year of 2020-2021 made me realize that technology is becoming a vital part of teaching and learning, and I could benefit from a more systematic approach to learning the latest technologies and pedagogies.”
Hardy recently completed her master’s degree in instructional technology from the University of Maine. She plans to enroll in the fall of 2023 or spring of 2024, based on the availability of courses scheduled, with having her first two actuarial science exams completed by the fall of 2024.
The board voted in favor of the sabbatical, with 15 voting yay and Director Charles Hinds of New Vineyard abstaining.
The board continued with their policy updates, updating policies JLCB [Immunization of Students], JLCD [Administration of Medication to Students], JLCD-E [Administration of Medication to Students on Field Trips], and JLCDA [Medical Marijuana in Schools]. 14 board members voted in favor of the changes with Hinds opposed and Director Alexander Creznic of Farmington abstaining.
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