D181 Finds The Lane School's Next Principal

The following is a release from Community Consolidated School District 181:

With a unanimous vote at a special meeting, the Community Consolidated School District 181 Board approved the employment of Casey James Godfrey as the next principal of in Hinsdale, effective July 1, 2012. He will fill the vacancy created by .

Godfrey has 11 years experience in education, including seven as an elementary school principal. For the past three years, Casey has served as principal of Fairmount Elementary School in Francis Howell School District in St. Charles, Mo. Fairmount is one of the largest elementary schools in Missouri, with an enrollment of approximately 900 students.

Prior to that, he worked in the Lincoln County R-III School District in Troy, Mo., for eight years, where he was principal of William Cappel Elementary School for two years and Principal of Hawk Point Elementary School for two years. He began his career in education as a fourth-grade teacher at William Cappel Elementary. He also taught fourth- and fifth-grade while serving as principal of Hawk Point Elementary.

Godfrey's core beliefs include establishing and maintaining a positive school climate, welcoming parent and community involvement, establishing high expectations, and increasing student achievement through the use of data and supported by technology. During his time at Fairmount, his leadership and Parent Involvement team were recognized with a Promising Practice Award from Johns Hopkins University. During his tenure at Hawk Point, his school was recognized as a Missouri Top Ten performing school in the areas of communication arts and math.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to join The Lane School family,” Godfrey said. “The numerous noteworthy accomplishments of The Lane School community have set the bar high; however I am confident, by fostering a positive school climate as well as maintaining high expectations for student learning and engagement we will collaboratively continue to move the Lane School forward. Additionally I look forward to collaborating with school and district stakeholders to maintain the values of tradition and academic excellence that already exist at The Lane School and in District 181.”

Godfrey’s awards include an Achievement in Teaching Award from Troy R-III District, the Dr. Frank Julian Outstanding Leadership Award from Murray State, and the Donald B. Hunter Distinguished Service Award from Murray State. His education includes a master’s degree in Educational Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. He is currently working on a doctorate degree.