CCS Co-Principal Audrey Boutaugh steps down

By Chea Waters Evans

After publication of this article, The Citizen editorial staff received word that The Charlotte Central School Board has planned a special meeting to discuss administrative structure on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 6pm at the school. Residents are encouraged to attend.

News came from Charlotte Central School (CCS) last Friday, Jan. 9 that Audrey Boutaugh, co-principal in charge of grades 5-8, is resigning from her position and will only remain at CCS for the remainder of the school year. Referencing the fact that some community members question the necessity for two principals, Boutaugh says she timed her announcement with the school budgeting process because “each year there is discussion about changing the model. As someone committed to the success of the school, it is important to me that the school board understands all the variables as it moves forward to plan for the 2015-16 school year.”

Boutaugh’s time at CCS spanned five years, beginning in 2010, when she came to Vermont from teaching and working as a school principal in Connecticut. She and her co-principal Greg Marino came to the school at the same time, and worked closely together. He says she is “a dedicated administrator who has worked tirelessly for the students and staff…Her dedication to CCS and to her work as an educational leader is inspiring.” Boutaugh says she does not know quite yet what her next move will be, but says she is “pursuing many opportunities within Vermont and in other states. As my plans are finalized, I will let you know.”

Due to current and projected declining student enrollment, yet continually increasing school budgets, some community members would like to see the co-principal system eliminated, and have the school return to the one-principal administrative model. This decision rests in the hands of the school board and CSSU superintendent Elaine Pinckney. At the Jan. 13 school board meeting, the board decided that because of Boutaugh’s departure, they will consider changing the structure of the school’s administration. School board chair Kristin Wright says, “We will be discussing administrative structure either at our meeting Feb. 17 or possibly earlier.  If the latter, we will warn [the community about] a special meeting.”

Marino notes that because she will stay through the school year, no changes will happen at the school until at least July 1, after Boutaugh leaves. Boutaugh says, “Whatever the board’s decision is, I will assist in the transition during the next several months.” Her hard work and dedication to the students will surely be missed as she moves on to other opportunities. School board chair Wright says, “We are thankful to Audrey for her hard work and dedication, and wish her the best in her next endeavor.”