EL School Board Announces Scott as New Marble Principal

Incoming Marble Elementary Principal Sarah Scott

In two weeks, Marble Elementary School students and parents will be greeted by a new face as they enter their school.

Sarah Scott, most recently principal of Valley View Elementary school in Bellevue, was approved by the East Lansing Board of Education Monday night as the new principal of Marble Elementary.

Scott replaces Dori Leyko as principal. Leyko has been promoted to Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. Her appointment was also made official by the board Monday.

Scott has served at Valley View since 2011. Previously she was principal at Fern Persons Elementary in Olivet and taught third grade at Horizon Elementary in Holt. She received her M.A. degree in educational administration from Michigan State University in 2003 and has an undergraduate degree in elementary education from Central Michigan University.

“It was a very difficult process,” said Schools Superintendent Dr. Robyne Thompson. “We had two highly qualified candidates to choose from.”

In addition to her administrative experience, Ms. Scott has worked in areas of education and justice, said Dr. Thompson. The first day of her contract is Aug. 25.

“I feel she will be a great addition to the team here in East Lansing,” Dr. Thompson said.

Present for the East Lansing Public Schools (ELPS) were Superintendent Thompson and Board members Erin Graham, President Nell Kuhnmuench, Yasmina Bouraoui, Kate Powers, Karen Hohne, Kath Edsel, and Hillary Henderson.

Other action: Approved East Lansing student newspaper The Portrait (moved by Dr. Graham) to become a public forum entirely under control of the student editors. This year’s co-editors are Sophie Steiner and Hudson Brett, who were present at the meeting but did not speak.

The board also approved a change to the district’s bullying policy to align with the state requirements. Specifically, the new policy addresses cyber-bullying.

The board went into closed session to consider an annual review of Dr. Thompson.

Public Comment: Opal Wong addressed the board about the need to incorporate “brain balancing” into elementary schools. Brain balancing involves using music and exercise to strengthen the weaker sides of the brain.

Student report: Reid Burton, East Lansing High School senior and student board liaison, updated the board on the student council meetings. Homecoming will be September 24^th with a theme of ‘20s Jazz Greats. This year’s student council intends to focus on working in the community and campaigning for social justice.