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News Details

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2025

District Announces Leadership Transitions, Launches Search for New Faircrest Elementary Principal

The Canton Local School District would like to announce the retirement of Victoria Hessey, Director of Special Services, as well as the implementation of a series of leadership transitions designed to enhance support for students, staff, and academic programs.

These changes include realigning academic and operational leadership and launching a formal search for the next principal of Faircrest Memorial Elementary School.

Hessey has served in the district since May 2019, providing compassionate leadership and critical support services for students with a wide range of needs, including coordination of continued operational support during the COVID 19 pandemic. Her work has impacted countless families and helped shape special services into a more responsive and student-centered department.

“We are grateful for Victoria’s leadership and her dedication to our students,” Superintendent Brett Yeagley said. “She leaves behind a legacy of care, professionalism and unwavering commitment to doing what’s best for kids.”

Academic leadership

Jaimie Brown, the current Director of Curriculum and Instruction, will assume the newly created role of Chief Academic Officer. In this role, Brown will lead all academic programs and services across the district, creating an Integrated Student Services Department.

Supporting Brown will be:

  • Melissa Kalb, who will continue as Gifted Coordinator.
  • Allison Pfaus, who will transition from Behavior Coach to Special Education and Preschool Coordinator.
  • Ann Bartley, currently principal at Faircrest Memorial Elementary, will move to the central office as the Title and Reading Services Coordinator.

Bartley’s transition is a significant addition to the district’s academic leadership team. Her experience as a building principal and passion for literacy will help strengthen programming and services that impact students districtwide.

“We’d also like to thank Ann Bartley for her years of leadership at Walker Elementary and Faircrest Elementary, and we are excited for her to bring that same curricular passion and commitment to a broader role,” Yeagley said. “Her work will help shape reading and intervention services across the district.”

Operational leadership

Nick Stepanovich will expand his responsibilities as Chief Operations Officer. In addition to his current duties, he will oversee food service, custodial operations, technology, transportation, and the Performing Arts Center.

Supporting Stepanovich will be:

  • Joyce Kirkpatrick, Transportation Supervisor
  • Lisa Hookway, Director of Nutrition
  • David Norman, Network Manager
  • Chris Noll, CS Middle School Principal, will continue to oversee district maintenance

Principal search

With Bartley’s move to the central office for the 2025-2026 school year, the district will begin the search for the principal of Faircrest Memorial Elementary. The process will include input from Faircrest staff led by Brown, Associate Elementary Principal Mike Groholy, Associate Elementary and Multi-County Principal Dale Rush, and Superintendent Brett Yeagley.

“We are committed to selecting a strong, visionary leader who will inspire excellence and foster a culture of pride at Faircrest—balancing high expectations with meaningful support,” Brown said.


(Link to Elementary Principal Job Posting)