By Shelby Stewart-Soldan
ssoldan@mihomepaper.com
Brandon Twp. — This fall, two new administrators will begin new positions at Harvey-Swanson and Oakwood elementaries.
Nicole Fouty will be the new dean of students at Oakwood, while Chad Chappell will be the new dean of students at Harvey-Swanson.
“I’ve been teaching for about 25 years,” said Fouty. “I’ve been debating over the last couple years with getting my doctorate, doing something in administration and leaving teaching.”
Fouty has a bachelors degree in education, a masters in literacy, an education specialist degree and a doctorate. Her doctoral dissertation focused on social emotional learning.
“I was a cohort leader for the special education program in my last district,” she said. “After doing a few roles like that, I decided I wanted to do even more in administration. This is more of an administrative role, but also I get to be with a seasoned principal.”
The dean of students role will be an administrative position focused on the students and working with staff to ensure all students are getting the help and attention they need.
“I just want to thank the community for this opportunity and let them know I’m very excited to get started,” she said. “I’m looking forward to serving the needs of the community. This being a new position, I know it’s going to be challenging, but I’m looking forward to doing what I can to be a positive influence.”
At Harvey-Swanson, Chappell is excited to return to the community and work alongside principal Jessica Hevel.
“I am honored and humbled to be the new dean of students at Harvey-Swanson elementary,” he said. “With over 25 years of experience in education, I am most dedicated to positively impacting our students lives.”
Following college graduation, Chappell spent most of his career at Tamarack Camps and in Oakland Schools.
“Returning to Ortonville is like coming home as this is where I started my career in education and made many lasting relationships with parents, school administrators, teachers and the community,” he said. “Throughout the years, I have developed a deep understanding of fostering a positive school climate, promoting respectful and inclusive behavior, and supporting staff, students and parents in their learning endeavors.”
Chappell said he wanted to transition to the role of dean of students to have an opportunity to focus his energy on creating and implementing support systems for the teachers, students and parents, and he feels Harvey-Swanson is the perfect place for him to do that.
“I am deeply committed to championing the cause of our students and fostering a nurturing, inclusive and dynamic school environment that fosters academic achievement, personal development and holistic well-being,” he said. “I aim to forge strong connections with our educators and integrate our community into the fabric of our school. The establishment of trust and the kindling of inspiration among our faculty, staff and students are essential. We are stronger together.”