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Williams approved as full-time principal of North Putnam High School
ROACHDALE — After being named interim principal a little over a month ago, Amanda Williams is now the full-time principal at North Putnam High School.
Williams was approved 5-1 at the regularly scheduled North Putnam School Board meeting on Thursday night. Back on Aug. 1, Williams was named the interim principal after former principal Jason Chew took a position in the Central Office as the director of community partnerships and operations.
“I’m pretty fortunate to be surrounded by some pretty amazing teachers here at North Putnam,” Williams said of the first month of her tenure. “It’s been a pretty seamless transition, and I’m just ready to focus on the kids and how we can make them better every single day. Keeping them at the forefront of what we do, as long as we do that, we can’t go wrong.”
Williams has one previous year of principal experience, having served as principal at Parke Heritage Middle School before coming to North Putnam. Additionally, she has served as dean of students at Southmont Junior High School, as well as teaching math at both Southmont and Danville Middle School.
The one vote against Williams came from Ron Spencer who noted a potential conflict of interest. Supt. Dustin LeMay addressed the issue then was followed by board member Heather Lawson and president Amber Greene, who spoke in favor of Williams.
“One thing that I’m committed to is that we need a high school principal,” LeMay said. “I feel like we’re ready to move forward with that. I’m always open to anyone who has concerns, and Ron and I have had some conversations. I feel very good in the direction we’re heading, but will be ready to address any concerns that come up along the way.”
“I trust your judgment and that’s why I have no issues with the recommendation,” Lawson added. “I think Amanda has done a wonderful job.”
Greene concluded the comments by saying how in a small town community, there’s going to conflict of interest issues that arise.
“I’ve been on the board eight years now, and I think every year we’ve had a situation where a board member had a family member who was an employee,” she said. “That’s some what to be expected in a small community. What I’ve always seen out of Amanda is a great connection with the kids and that’s ultimately why we’re all here.”