Craftsbury Schools and Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union are thrilled to announce that Lisa McCarthy has been chosen as Craftsbury’s next principal. A skilled leader, communicator, and current principal of Lakeview and Woodbury Elementary Schools, McCarthy is well positioned and eager to embrace this new role, beginning July 1, 2024.

“The school board is pleased to welcome Lisa to Craftsbury, and excited to support her in any way we can with the important work ahead,” stated the Craftsbury school board.

McCarthy was born and raised in central Vermont. She graduated from U-32 High School and received her undergraduate degree from St. Lawrence University. Her undergraduate background in Spanish and Environmental Studies guides her passion for creating a school environment that is inclusive to all people and infuses traditional classroom instruction with place-based learning opportunities outside of the walls of the classroom.

McCarthy holds a master’s degree in education from Montana State University and completed the Principal Internship Program at Upper Valley Educator Institute in Lebanon, NH. She has an extensive background in school-based mental health and has worked in multiple school systems as a consultant to support creating systems and frameworks to ensure all students are receiving a high quality education and receiving the support they need to do so.  

McCarthy lives in Calais with her partner, Jamie, and children, Isabel and Ethan. She spends her time when she’s not in school on the ski trails, taking long walks with her dogs, traveling to the West Coast to visit family, and caring for her many animals. 

“I am honored and excited to bring my collaborative leadership style to the Craftsbury school community. I look forward to supporting students, staff, families, and community members to ensure we foster an inclusive learning environment that provides a high level of academic rigor for all students. I will work closely with the very dedicated Craftsbury School Board to provide innovative vision and thinking about an intentional path forward in our small, rural school. I have already received a warm welcome and it is clear to me that this is a community that deeply values children and education. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful school,” commented McCarthy.