Board of Education appoints new Fayetteville Elementary principal

Fayetteville Elementary School will be welcoming new leadership in the 2024-25 school year. During its March 11 meeting, the Board of Education appointed Alexis Thorpe, current Wellwood Middle School Assistant Principal, to serve as the next Fayetteville Elementary School principal, effective July 1.

In December, current Fay El principal Eileen Lux announced her retirement following a 30 year career in education.

“I am thrilled to begin this new chapter in my administrative journey, back to my primary roots, as principal of Fayetteville Elementary School,” said Thorpe.

Thorpe has been assistant principal at Wellwood Middle School since June of 2022. During her time at Wellwood, Thorpe oversaw special education services, scheduling, and programming as the CSE Chairperson, implemented restorative justice practices in response to student discipline, served as the building’s DASA coordinator, and always held an open line of communication between families, students, and staff. 

“Throughout my treasured time at Wellwood, I have been so fortunate to build strong connections with many of the students, families, and staff members that help make the Fayetteville-Manlius School District an exceptional community to call home. I am honored for the opportunity to continue to deepen these relationships while helping to set a solid, and successful, academic foundation for the wonderful students and families of Fay El.”

Previous to her time as assistant principal, Thorpe served as Wellwood Middle School’s administrative intern, where she helped with strategic planning at both the building and district level.

“Alexis has proven her dedication to F-M students and staff since joining the district in 2021,” said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Craig Tice. “She brings a wide range of skills and experience that will make her transition to leading Fayetteville Elementary seamless for students, parents, and teachers alike.”

Before joining the team at F-M, Thorpe was a kindergarten teacher at Rockville Centre UFSD for four years, and then an elementary-level teacher at Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District for 13 years. 

Lux will retire in June and Thorpe will officially take her place at Fayetteville Elementary as of July 1, 2024.