New principals named at Carson City's Bordewich Bray, Fremont Elementary schools

The Carson City School District has named two new principals for the 2017-2018 school year: Mrs. Lisa Hutchison as the new principal of Bordewich Bray Elementary School and Dr. Jennifer Ward-DeJoseph as the new principal of Fremont Elementary School. Each will be replacing Mrs. Karen Simms and Mrs. Casey Gilles respectively. Both Simms and Gilles will be retiring in June.

"I'd like to express my thanks to both Mrs. Simms and Mrs. Gilles for their work and dedication in our district…I wish them good health and good fortune as they enter a new phase in their lives,” said Mr. Richard Stokes, CCSD superintendent. “In a similar fashion, we welcome Mrs. Hutchison and Dr. Ward-DeJoseph in their new roles. They are strong student advocates with successful track records in administering appropriate district curriculum that is aligned with the Nevada State Standards. I look forward to each of them joining the dynamic leadership teams at their respective schools."

In their positions, both Hutchison and Ward-DeJoseph will be part of an educational system focused on developing the skill and talents for all students through rigorous learning experiences, supportive relationships and relevant real-life applications. As principals they will be visible instructional leaders for the schools and propel student achievement in the areas of curriculum, instruction, assessment, accountability and staff supervision.

Prior to her appointment as principal, Hutchison served as vice principal at Bordewich Bray Elementary. She was the Success For All (SFA) Facilitator at Seeliger Elementary and the Curriculum Specialist for math and writing at Empire Elementary. Hutchison also taught first, fourth and fifth grade classes at Seeliger Elementary.

Hutchison earned a master’s in educational leadership and administration as well as a bachelor’s in elementary education from the University of Nevada, Reno. She previously earned an associate’s degree in general education from Western Nevada Community College in Carson City. She was awarded Teacher of the Year Candidate for Seeliger Elementary School, 2008-2009, earned the Rotary of Excellence Award ($2,500) from the Carson City Rotary Club in February 2007, and received the Light of Education Award from the CCSD in May of 2002.

Prior to her appointment as principal, Dr. Ward-DeJoseph served as assistant principal for Carson Middle. She was the Middle and Elementary School Implementation Specialist for both Eagle Valley Middle and Empire Elementary. Ward-DeJoseph also taught fourth and fifth grade classes and served as the Mathematics Instructional Coach at Empire Elementary.

Ward-DeJoseph earned a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Endorsement from Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah as well as a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Nevada, Reno. She earned a master’s of education from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz. and a bachelor’s from the University of Nevada, Reno. Ward-DeJoseph was awarded Rotary Teacher of the Month by the Carson City Rotary Club in September 2003 and earned Outstanding Mathematics Teacher of the Year from the Nevada Council of Mathematics.

ABOUT CCSD
Located in Nevada’s capital, CCSD offers public education to approximately 7,600 students in Carson City. The district includes 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 1 alternative high school and 1 comprehensive high school. CCSD boasts many successes including impressive graduation rates, strict safety measures, programs for gifted students and advanced-placement classes, among several others. In a joint venture with Western Nevada College, the CCSD Jump Start College program allows students to complete their senior year of high school and freshman year of college simultaneously.