Fremont principal resigns, replaced

Casey Gilles, former vice principal at Bordewich-Bray Elementary School, took over Monday as principal of Fremont Elementary School.

She replaces Mark Van Voorst, who resigned Friday.

"She's a well-qualified individual," said Superintendent Richard Stokes. "We have a lot of confidence in her."

Van Voorst announced his resignation to staff on Friday and sent letters home to parents alerting them to the news.

Stokes cited "personal reasons" as the reason for the resignation.

Van Voorst came to Nevada from Arizona in 2003 to take the job of principal of Douglas High School. In 2005, he took over as principal of Pioneer High School, Carson City's alternative school.

A former construction worker, Van Voorst entered education in Arizona and worked as a teacher, vice principal, principal and athletic director there.

Gilles worked 15 years as an elementary school teacher, where, Stokes said, she "served with distinction."

For the past five years, she has been a vice principal, serving first under Susan Keema, who is now an associate superintendent, then under Borde-wich-Bray principal Valerie Dockery.

Stokes said the change in administration at the district's only year-round school may call for some adjustments from students and staff.

"But kids are resilient," he said. "The teachers have been receptive and willing to put their best foot forward as we finish out the school year."