Princeton Elementary School Board meets new Jefferson Principal, Megan Doty

PRINCETON — The Principal Elementary School Board got to meet the newest member of its administrative team at Monday’s board meeting.

The board was introduced to Megan Doty, a current first grade teacher, who will succeed JD Orwig as principal at Jefferson School. Orwig, who presented Doty, will be taking over as superintendent for Tim Smith, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

Doty was approved for hire in November, but has not been able to formally meet the board previously due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“When I met her at that time, she was always articulate and professional and just well-polished with her communication with students, parents and staff,” Orwig said. “I thought if I ever have a chance to be superintendent some day and I need somebody to replace me at Jefferson, I sure hope it’s somebody like Megan Doty. And then to our fortune, it was Megan Doty.

“I have enormous shoes to fill, but when I see the people behind me, I just feel fortunate to have the people with the work ethic that will be supporting me as we move forward. It makes me very excited about our future.”

Doty is thrilled to remain at Jefferson as she advances her career.

“I would have been thrilled anywhere in Princeton. But the fact I get to do it at Jefferson with the people who have become like family to me, it’s huge to me,” she said.

“So thank you, JD, for taking a chance on me four years ago and thank you all for your support. I’m really excited to be a part of your team.”

PES Board President Steve Bouslog was pleased to bring Doty on board.

“Geneseo’s loss is our gain. Being an old basketball coach at Princeton High School, anytime you can beat Geneseo (it’s a good thing) it’s better when it’s personnel, though,” he said.

Superintendent’s report

Smith gave his financial report based on being 58% through the fiscal year at the end of January. In all funds, he said PES has received 79.15% of anticipated revenue, but has yet received any of its COVID relief fund. PES had received 81.25% at the same time a year ago.

On the expenditures side, PES has $10,338,000 budgeted in the education fund, in which 54.58% has been expended. Smith said it is real close to last year.

Personnel

The board approved the hiring of Tara Thompson as paraprofessional at Lincoln School, Alyssa Grieff as first grade teacher at Jefferson School and Ellen Jacobs as English Language Arts Teacher at Logan, starting the Fall of 2021.

Accepted the resignations of Nicki Butler as fourth grade teacher at Lincoln School and Sara Rokey as assistant track coach at Logan.

Approved the retirement of Deb Schultz as Jefferson School librarian.

Approved the maternity leave of Jessica Wright, junior high special ed, effectively immediately as her twins came two months early.

In other action items, the board adopted the updated/audited board policy manual and approved the health life safety emergency resolution and the math curriculum adoption.

Informational items

Bouslog talked about the I.A.S.B. Starved Rock Division Meeting, which will be a virtual presentation available for the PES Board on TIF financing.

“This could be an opportunity for us to look forward to when we come back talking abut our building situation,” he said.

Smith presented the tentative 2021-22 calendar, which he said is in cooperation with Princeton High School and Malden Grade School. The next school year will start Aug. 12 and end May 25. He will bring a final draft for approval at next month’s board meeting.