MIDDLEBURY — The Addison Central School District was already facing the task of hiring a new principal to replace outgoing Middlebury Union Middle School leader Kris Holsman Francoeur.
They are now also in the market for a new business manager.
Current ACSD Business Manager Brittany Gilman confirmed she’ll be leaving the position on Jan. 29. She told the Independent that COVID-19 is the major reason for her decision.
“The onset of the pandemic brought my (four young) children into sharp focus, and I realized that my presence — both physically and mentally — is critical at this juncture in their development,” she said in an email exchange.
“My husband’s work-related travel has increased, and is expected to continue to increase as he moves into a new role at his company. It has become clear to me that my children need more of me than I have been able to give, and I believe that this transition will allow me to invest more of myself in them.”
Gilman joined the district in April 2018, taking over for Josh Quinn, who had stepped down to become an audit manager with a Maine-based accounting firm, RHR Smith & Co.
Gilman had previously served as business manager for the Rutland Central Supervisory Union. Prior to that, she worked as an accounting manager with The Royal Group (2013-2016) and as an accounting clerk and recording secretary for the town of Castleton (2012-2013).
Gilman distinguished herself as a great numbers person, who also took a lead in the district’s school-meals delivery program during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Peter Burrows, ACSD superintendent, said the district will wait until the end of this academic year before embarking on the search for Gilman’s replacement. The ACSD board has a lot on its plate right now, including delivering education during the ongoing pandemic, transitioning to an International Baccalaureate curriculum, considering potential elementary school closures, and expanding the middle school to include grade 6 students.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside talented and dedicated colleagues throughout my time at ACSD,” Gilman said. “I am confident that despite the challenges ahead, the ACSD community will meet them head on and will continue to flourish.”
Reporter John Flowers is at [email protected].