Blakey Resigns from Anderson Elementary School, Girimonte Appointed Interim Principal

students will have a new principal at the helm once school starts next week.

During last night’s meeting of the Dixon Unified School District Board of Education, Interim Superintendent announced that Principal Amy Blakey accepted a job within the Travis Unified School District.

Dolan asked the board to add an action item to last night’s agenda appointing Susan Girimonte as Anderson’s interim principal. The board voted unanimously, Trustee Jim Ernst was not present, to appoint Girimonte as the school’s new principal. Anderson Elementary School is now in its sixth year of Program Improvement according to the district.

Blakey had been the principal at Anderson Elementary School since July 2009. Before becoming principal at Anderson, Blakey served as vice principal at since 2007. Due to budget cuts, in 2008, Blakey’s position at CA Jacobs went from full-time to part-time and Blakey filled out the rest of her day as a coordinator at the district offices.

Susan Girimonte is no stranger within the district. Throughout her 23 years at Dixon Unified, Girimonte has served as a principal at , interim principal at Anderson Elementary, and as a teacher and coordinator of special projects.

“She has been thoroughly involved in the development of the single plan for student achievement with the Anderson staff,” Dolan said. “She is loved by the staff at Anderson.”

Blakey’s last day at Anderson was Tuesday. As Blakey prepares to enter her new employment within Travis Unified, she will see at least one familiar face.

Debbie Taylor, DUSD’s director of health services, has also taken a position within Travis Unified, Dolan announced during last night’s meeting.

In other action, the board approved the creation of a TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment) position to serve within the district and also approved a memorandum of understanding between the district and the Dixon Teachers Association.