Four New Principals

The Fayetteville Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the recommendation of Superintendent Dr. John L Colbert of four individuals to assume the principal positions at Butterfield Trail Elementary, Happy Hollow Elementary, Leverett Elementary, and Washington Elementary beginning with the 2022-2023 school year.

“This is the first time in many years, perhaps decades, that we have had so many new principals in one year,” said Dr. Colbert. “However, we are excited about our new principals, and I am confident that they will be strong educational leaders at their respective schools. I am thrilled to welcome Ms. Cremo to the FPS Team and glad to see three of our district assistant principals advance to these leadership positions.

“We are also very grateful to Joey Folsom (Butterfield Trail), Chris Sputo (Leverett), and Ashley McLarty (Washington) for their many years of dedicated service to our schools, and we wish them happiness in their well-deserved retirement. We are also happy to see Cristin Atha (Happy Hollow) move to a different administrative position and join our Assessment & Accountability team.”

Jennifer Fairchild currently serves as the assistant principal at Asbell Elementary, a position she has held since 2016. She has also served as an instructional facilitator and as a classroom teacher. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Arkansas, her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Evangel University, and her educational specialist’s degree from Arkansas State University. 

Jay Mirus currently serves as assistant principal at Vandergriff Elementary School, a position he has held since 2017. He has also served as a classroom teacher, technology integration specialist, and as an adult education teacher. He received his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural, Food & Life Sciences from the University of Arkansas, his master’s degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Arkansas, and his Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Harding University. 

Christie Cremo currently serves as the principal of Washington District Elementary School in Oak Grove, Virginia. She has also served as an assistant principal and as a classroom teacher. She received her bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education from The College of Saint Rose, and she received her master’s degree in Education from Old Dominion University. 

Claire Garrett currently serves as the assistant principal at Root Elementary School, a position she has held since 2017. She has previously served as a special services designee and as a special education paraprofessional. She received her bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Arkansas and her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University.