The Lane School's New Principal All About Communication

For Casey Godfrey, it’s critical that he as a principal develops relationships not only with his students, but with their families.

“For the instructional part to be as effective as it can be, there needs to be that constant communication both ways, between school and home,” Godfrey said.

Godfrey, 35, began on July 1 as principal of in Hinsdale. He replaces Doug Eccarius, .

Godfrey has spent the last seven years as an elementary school principal in the St. Louis area. During the last three years, Godfrey served as principal of Fairmount Elementary School in Francis Howell School District in St. Charles, Mo. Fairmount enrolls approximately 900 students, making it one of the largest elementary schools in Missouri. District 181 Superintendent Renée Schuster previously held the superintendent position in the Francis Howell district.

He also worked in the Lincoln County R-III School District in Troy, Mo., for eight years. He was principal of William Cappel Elementary School for two years and principal of Hawk Point Elementary School for two years.

Godfrey began his career in education teaching fourth grade at William Cappel. He also taught fourth and fifth grade while serving as principal of Hawk Point Elementary.

The Lane’s new principal says he’s excited to start in District 181 at a time when differentiated learning is such a focus.

“Every kid is different; every kid learns in a different style,” Godfrey said.

Godfrey said every school has its own flare, and between its emphasis on differentiation and the close-knit community, the principal thinks there's a natural connection between he and his new school.

“It’s one of those perfect-fit things,” he said.

Godfrey, a Missouri native, moved to Chicago to take the job. It’s his first time living in the area.

“I’m really excited about turning a new page,” he said. 

District 181 board member Russell Rhoads is hosting a get-together for Lane parents Monday morning to meet and greet with Godfrey.