Finalists For EES Principal Position Announced, Public Forum April 8!

My name is Michelle Basile and I am honored for my candidacy to be welcomed as part of the search process for the new principal of Edmunds Elementary. I continue to be inspired by the active, committed community that supports students and families here in Burlington.

I am a graduate of The University of Virginia (B.S.) and The University of San Francisco (M.A.), and hold two and a half decades of experience in the field of education. My career as an educator began with an educational services company during its expansion phase, followed by ten years as an elementary classroom teacher and teacher-leader, ten years as principal of a K-8 school in California, and currently as interim assistant principal of a vibrant elementary school in a neighboring district here in Vermont.

My work is centered around a core belief that all students deserve a school experience that is safe, joyful, engaging, responsive, and just, and that supporting inclusive school communities requires a continuous commitment to learning and action. We, as educators who serve our students and families in a range of capacities, must always strive to grow in ways that help us better meet these priorities. As an elementary school administrator, I focus on systems, processes, and pedagogy in the pursuit of equitable access and high outcomes for all students. My consistent aim is to foster collaboration and work carefully to facilitate teaching and learning that is evidence-based, aligned to clear goals, and supported by the voices of a diverse group of school community shareholders. I value the uniqueness we each bring to the learning environment as well as the strength in our collective efforts. I currently live in Burlington with my husband, John, and my three children. Outside of school, you may find me exploring new places near and far or enjoying time together with family and friends.

I look forward to learning more about the Edmunds school community and the potential of working with a dedicated team toward promoting an educational environment in which all Edmunds students, staff, and families can thrive.

My name is Kim McNamara and I am excited by my candidacy for the principal of Edmunds Elementary! I have lived in Vermont with my family for the last 5 years but have been visiting and loving the state and the Burlington area for much longer.

My formal education has included an undergraduate degree (BA in English) from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and graduate studies at Keene State College (M.Ed in Special Education) and the University of Alaska Anchorage (Education Leadership). My educational experiences have been broad and include special education teaching in a variety of settings in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, as well as state level special education compliance and program management at the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. My administrative experience includes 11 years of school level leadership at both the high school and K-8 levels. My most recent position as a school leader has been at the Baird School, a therapeutic school in Burlington.

In all of my roles, I have focused on fostering a positive school culture and climate that includes a balance of support and high expectations, equity for all, and ensuring that connection, joy and fun are regular components of the school community. I believe that learning is serious business AND that it can and should be fun, engaging and inspirational!

As a school administrator, I focus on strengthening the school’s structures and systems while being a supportive presence who values all who walk through the door: the variety of experiences, background and cultures that make us each unique people. I believe that every one of us– including staff and students–want to do well and be our best selves and it is a school’s responsibility to foster an environment that allows for a high level of growth and success for all.

In my free time I like to read, run, spend time with family and friends, be outside and learn new things! We are currently learning about the maple syrup-ing process by tapping our own trees and boiling…yum!