Guilfoy
The Clark-Pleasant school board voted to hire Bethany Guilfoy as Whiteland Elementary’s new principal Tuesday evening. Guilfoy had been serving as interim principal for the last eight weeks.
Raised in Whiteland, Guilfoy marks the third generation in her family to serve Clark-Pleasant Schools. Her daughter currently attends class in the district as well.
Since attending Whiteland Elementary as a student herself, Guilfoy knew she was destined to be an educator. Now her journey has led to her becoming a principal, a position she has always longed for.
“It means the absolute world to me,” Guilfoy said. “I have told people that I didn’t just want to be a principal; I wanted to be a principal at Clark-Pleasant. I have waited, worked and tried to prepare myself as best as I could for when and if this opportunity ever presented itself. The community and the experience we provide to our families means a lot to me.”
Upon graduation from Whiteland Community High School, she attended Marian University where she played college softball. After college, she returned to Whiteland and became an intermediate school teacher.
Guilfoy taught for several years before accepting an instructional coaching position. She eventually ascended to the role of assistant principal at Pleasant Crossing Elementary School, a title she held for just over a decade.
After the former Whiteland Elementary principal suddenly left to accept a job elsewhere, Guilfoy was promoted to interim principal.
“We had to scramble because it was just before Fall break,” Superintendent Timothy Edsell said during the meeting. “[She] was put in a very difficult situation. Miss Guilfoy has a lot of experience as an elementary teacher and as an elementary administrator.”
Guilfoy said that although the transition process was quick, she was grateful for the opportunity despite whether or not the role would end up being permanent. She commended the staff’s ability to handle the stress of leadership change.
“The staff here is absolutely amazing,” Guilfoy said. “They come every day with a warm greeting, bright smiles and positive attitudes. They have handled the change with grace and professionalism. It’s been remarkable. We work together to combine our expertise and move Whiteland Elementary forward.”
Even though Guilfoy received unanimous approval from the Clark-Pleasant school board, there was one member who abstained from voting on the matter. School board member Butch Zike elected not to vote on Guilfoy’s hiring, because she is Guilfoy his daughter.
Zike had worked as the district’s athletic director for almost three decades. She said he has been a tremendous inspiration.
“He never complained about the work and his job,” she said. “I got to see him travel around and watch our athletic programs compete. I have always seen the positive things that we are able to do to serve and impact our community.”
Guilfoy mentioned that it was tough to leave Pleasant Crossing after dedicating over 10 years of her career to the institution, but said the students make up the best part of her job. They continue to be her top priority.
“I just want kids to have a similar or better experience to what I had as a kid in Clark-Pleasant,” she said. ” I want them to be proud that they go to our schools. A Warrior is someone who is selfless, who always works towards the good for all and is constantly thinking of different ways to be excellent in what you do.”
