More Departures from FPS
By Gordon Hopkins
Five employees of Fairbury Public Schools (FPS) have resigned since the most recent Board of Education Meeting on Monday, March 10, 2025.
The resignations are:
Joy Barton, Special Education
Taylor Biehl, Counselor
Andrew Singleton, English Teacher
Curt Thomas, High School Principal
Melissa Barry, ELA instructor
This follows a number of other resignations earlier this year. At the March 10 meeting, the resignation of nine FPS staff was approved by the board: Mike Fisher, Kari Fisher, Lyle Thompson, Sally Norder, Grace Ellis, Raven DeFrain, Crystal Coakley, Brock Godown and Dr. Emily Winter.
However, FPS Superintendent Dr. Devin Embray indicated the school has been successful in replacing staff.
On Thursday, April 3, Embray told FJN, “Of all the resignations we now have 24 to date. Of those that have resigned, we have filled 19 as of today and by the end of the week, we expect to have filled one more making our total to date 20 out of 24.”
Embray further added, “While any resignation is felt in a school community, the vast majority of our departures this year have been due to retirements or staff pursuing other personal or professional opportunities — which we fully support. We’re grateful for the contributions of all who’ve been part of Fairbury Public Schools, and we’re incredibly excited about the talented new staff joining us. With strong hires and a dedicated team in place, we remain confident in the direction we’re heading and in our continued commitment to making Fairbury a destination district.”
By Gordon Hopkins
Five employees of Fairbury Public Schools (FPS) have resigned since the most recent Board of Education Meeting on Monday, March 10, 2025.
The resignations are:
Joy Barton, Special Education
Taylor Biehl, Counselor
Andrew Singleton, English Teacher
Curt Thomas, High School Principal
Melissa Barry, ELA instructor
This follows a number of other resignations earlier this year. At the March 10 meeting, the resignation of nine FPS staff was approved by the board: Mike Fisher, Kari Fisher, Lyle Thompson, Sally Norder, Grace Ellis, Raven DeFrain, Crystal Coakley, Brock Godown and Dr. Emily Winter.
However, FPS Superintendent Dr. Devin Embray indicated the school has been successful in replacing staff.
On Thursday, April 3, Embray told FJN, “Of all the resignations we now have 24 to date. Of those that have resigned, we have filled 19 as of today and by the end of the week, we expect to have filled one more making our total to date 20 out of 24.”
Embray further added, “While any resignation is felt in a school community, the vast majority of our departures this year have been due to retirements or staff pursuing other personal or professional opportunities — which we fully support. We’re grateful for the contributions of all who’ve been part of Fairbury Public Schools, and we’re incredibly excited about the talented new staff joining us. With strong hires and a dedicated team in place, we remain confident in the direction we’re heading and in our continued commitment to making Fairbury a destination district.”
