Staff report
Barstow Memorial School Principal David St. Germain of Pittsford died over the weekend.
Superintendent Kristen Hubert announced his death on Jan. 30 in an email to the school community.
“The news came as a shock to me and other administrators,” Hubert said. “We express our sympathy and condolences to his family.”
St. Germain, a life-long educator, was named principal of the elementary school in Chittenden in 2020.
St. Germain earned a doctorate education in administrative leadership for teaching and learning from Walden University. He was a teacher, assistant principal of a junior-senior high school, principal of two elementary schools, principal of a K-12 for four years and a Pre-K-6 for 12 years. Most recently, he served in higher education at College of St. Joseph as division chair of education and at North Country Community College.
“He loved his work with children and families. We will all miss him,” Hubert said. “I know that he would want us to pull together during this difficult time.”
Karen Prescott was named acting principal of the school — a position she’ll remain in through the end of February.
Barstow Memorial offered emotional support to the school community. Counselors were on hand Monday and Tuesday for students and staff who needed help.
“The adults in the building will do their best to continue to provide a supportive learning environment for our students, even as they experience their own grief,” Hubert said. “Educating our children is the best way to honor David.”
