Read the Official Press Release here.
March 21, 2023 | Fairfax, VT – At a Special Board Meeting on March 20, 2023, the Fairfax Board of School Directors voted to hire Heather Baron as the BFA Fairfax Middle School Principal for the 2023-2024 school year. Ms. Baron has been serving as interim principal since January. The board’s decision was based on the recommendation of the Interview Committee that began a search for a permanent principal in early February.
“The Fairfax School Board unanimously approved Heather Baron as the permanent middle school principal. In just a few months as interim principal, Heather has gained the trust and respect of the school board, parents, and community members. We look forward to seeing her achieve her goals of creating a strong middle school identity and improving communication and community outreach in the coming years.” said Tammy Revoir, Fairfax School Board Chair.
The Interview Committee— which included teachers, staff, community members, administrators, and a BFA student— screened candidates and conducted interviews with multiple candidates before arriving at a unanimous decision to recommend Heather to the board.
“We are pleased that we were able to recommend such an outstanding person to serve our middle school community. Heather’s priorities align with Franklin West’s vision for our students, staff, and community,” stated John Tague, FWSU Superintendent. “I am excited to work with Heather as she works with the middle school staff, students and community to move BFA's middle school forward.”
Heather comes to Bellows Free Academy Fairfax with 24 years of educational experience as a classroom teacher, instructional coach and principal. Her education credentials include graduate studies at the University of Vermont in Education Policy and Leadership. In her application, Baron shared; “Throughout my career I have held an unwavering belief in the power of educators and schools to change students' lives. Every student deserves to be in a great classroom, and great classrooms are created by educators who continuously develop their practice and schools that have built systems to support learning.”
Heather’s response upon learning of the board’s decision was, "I am thrilled to be joining the BFA Fairfax school community as the middle school principal. As the interim principal, I have been warmly welcomed by students, staff, and families. I've been impressed by the rich traditions and sense of pride in the school. I am looking forward to leading the middle school and guiding its continued growth as a learning community."