Tolt Middle School Principal Janet Gavigan announced her resignation, to become the principal of the Riverview Learning Center for choice and home-schooled students.

Gavigan has been principal at Tolt for the past 16 years.

She has experience with alternative  programs and served on the 2004-06 committee that recommended a new facility for RSD alternative students. Gavigan will also become director of human resources for the district.

During her tenure at Tolt, student achievement increased. Her leadership aided in the development of school clubs such as TSA, Junior Honor Society and Art Club.

Gavigan was a supportive partner in PTSA programs as well, with the offering of after-school enrichment classes and ongoing activities which supported both students and staff.

District Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Anthony Smith has been the Principal at the Riverview Learning Center for the past year, and had assumed the role due to state funding issues.  Gavigan’s appointment as RLC principal will allow Smith to focus on the improvement of teaching and learning district-wide.

“Although spread thin, the last year has been a blessing for me, to be able to interact with the wonderful students, staff and parents at RLC.  We have had an extremely talented administrative team in this building, and I would like to acknowledge the work of Chris Mirecki, Mike Ruhland, Janet Gavigan and Dr. Randy Stocker for their roles in assisting me with the administrative supervision,” Smith said. “Because Janet has been helping with on-site supervision for the past year, it will make for a smooth transition.”

When asked about her recent appointment, and her many years as principal at Tolt, Gavigan said how grateful she is to have had the opportunity to lead, to grow and to impact the lives of so many students.

“I could not have asked for a better team of teachers who truly understand the social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs of our students,” Gavigan said of her time at Tolt. “I have been so fortunate to work every day with a staff so focused on the whole child during the sometimes challenging adolescent years, and with a community that is so incredibly supportive of the middle school.”