By: James Pruitt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
An institution of sorts will depart Fayette Schools this summer.
After 43 years as high school secretary, Marge Crowell is retiring, leaving a legacy of service in her wake that will take a while to match.
A lot has changed since she started in 1973. There’s the new school obviously, but when she began teachers did not have collective bargaining rights (that changed in 1992).
She has seen between 1,500 and 1,800 kids come through the school during her tenure, Superintendent Erik Belcher said following the June 27 Board of Education meeting. Belcher has worked with Crowell for the final four years of her time at Fayette.
“We are going to miss her terribly,” Belcher said.
What was her key to such longevity?
“It’s the kids,” Belcher said. “She told us it’s all about the kids. She’s been very dedicated to the youth.”
In 43 years Crowell said he has trained 16 principals, Belcher said.
As for superintendents?
“You don’t want to go there,” Belcher said while laughing. “Quite a few of those too.”
Belcher said he has grown to appreciate Crowell for everything she is and what she stands for. She never held back anything, so every day was like an exit interview, he said.
How is he going to replace that?
“You don’t,” Belcher said. “She has forgotten more information about the school than I’ll ever learn.”
But as Crowell departs the administration and board are happy for her.
“We are going to miss her,” Belcher said. “She has been the face of Fayette Schools for 43 years.”
In other actions the board approved:
The following donations:
-An Iolite flute for use in Fayette band, estimated value $75 from MacKalyn Figgins.
-$1,730 from Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund for Financial Management Curriculum.
-$450 from Knights of Columbus for Class of 2017 for Prom/Graduation Expenses.
-$60 from Fayette Area Foundation for Academic Awards Ceremony.
-$50 from Jeffrey Wilson for summer ball program activities.
-$2,819.94 from Parent Support Group for Class of 2017 for senior expenses.
-$900 from Fayette Athletic Boosters for a portable softball fence.
-$426.53 from Class of 2016 to Class of 2022.
-$88.97 from First Federal Bank to sponsor the Mini Diplomas for Graduating Seniors.
-Low bid from Nickles Bakery for 2016-2017
-Low bid from Reiter Dairy for 2016-2017
-Low bid from HPS for school food purchasing for 2016-2017
-NWOCA Membership Fees for 2016-2017
-NWOESC to provide Mentor Program and services for 2016-2017
The board approved the following staffing recommendations:
-Ryan Eberly for transportation coordinator for FY 2017.
-Rescind Mathew Johnson as seventh-grade boys’ basketball coach for 2016-2017.
-Accept the resignations of Jennifer Cobb as part-time music teacher, effective June 30; Laura Millar as band teacher, effective June 30 and Marge Crowell as high school secretary effective Aug. 1.
-A daily rate of $90 for substitute teacher beginning Aug. 1.
Board President Kirk Keiser mentioned two public meetings are being planned for July 2016 on Levy campaign information. Dates to be determined and posted.
James Pruitt may be reached at
publisher@thevillagereporter.com