New Waterville Principal

The Waterville School Board, meeting in special session at the Lamoille
North Supervisory Union office on Tuesday July 20, voted unanimously to
appoint Bonny L. Grant as principal.
Grant hails from East Patchogue, NY, and she was selected from six
finalists and recommended by a panel of teachers, board members, and
community members. Grant is a 30 year educator veteran with 12 years as
an elementary teacher in public schools and 18 years as a teacher and
head of independent schools in New York and New Jersey. She holds
degrees from Touro College, Manhattan, NY, College of New Jersey,
University of New Mexico, and SUNY at Buffalo.
Rebecca Penberthy, co-chair of the Waterville board, indicated that
Bonny Grant's experience and her collaborative leadership style prompted
the board to support her as their school's principal. Kathleen Hobart,
chairperson of the Belvidere School Board, was also a member of the
panel that recommended Bonny Grant for the position. Belvidere students
are being tuitioned to the Waterville School beginning this year.
Lamoille North Superintendent Terry Bailey noted that Grant is "strong
on language arts" and that was a significant plus for her candidacy. Dr.
Bailey noted, however, that "We had very strong candidates for the
position and were very pleased, at a time when some schools have a hard
time attracting people. We were very fortunate." He added Wednesday
morning following Ms. Grant's hiring, she was already searching for
temporary housing.
Grant indicated that she was very pleased to be returning to her
"elementary roots" after working in a middle school program. She has
enjoyed visiting in Vermont for a number of years and has set a goal to
become an educator in the Green Mountain State. "I am a lifelong learner
and I am committed to working with teachers in best practices in
instruction. I am looking forward to being at Waterville to meet the
students and to work with the faculty. It is going to be an exciting
time this fall," said Grant.
The Waterville School Board voted a two-year contract for the new
principal.