FMS families and staff, we are making several changes to our Organizational Chart ahead of the 2026-2027 Academic Year. These changes reflect a renewed focus on efficiency and student achievement, consolidating departments and also reallocating Central Office resources from two director positions, one coordinator position, and 2.5 administrative assistant positions.
Federal Programs and Curriculum
The most significant changes are occurring in the Federal Programs Department. In the Exceptional Programs Office (EPO), compliance and instruction will now operate as distinct areas of focus.
Overseeing this work is Ms. Nicole Lambson, Executive Director of Federal Programs. Ms. Lambson describes her vision:
“My focus will be on increasing student achievement for every student group while continuing to honor the commitments of Martinez-Yazzie through strong, individualized systems of support. By strengthening systems and structures across our schools, we are ensuring that all students receive the services, opportunities, and high-quality education they deserve.”
Korth Ellsworth, Director of EPO Teaching and Learning, will lead instructional efforts, while Laura Huish, EPO Director of Compliance and Accountability, will oversee compliance. This separation of duties will not only ensure IEP compliance requirements are met by law, but will also strengthen the tracking of student goals, services, and instructional alignment for all teachers.
The Multicultural Department, led by Dr. Geraldine Garrity, Director of Language and Culture, will merge and deepen its focus on Dual Language programs in both Spanish and Navajo, with plans to expand to middle and high schools in the future. FMS is committed to building strong pathways of success for bilingual students, ensuring every student has access to opportunities such as the Bilingual Seal and scholarships that support college, career, and life readiness.
A key priority within Federal Programs will also be sustaining out-of-school time programs and continuing meaningful family engagement events throughout the year.
Enrichment Programs, Teacher Development, and Gifted Education
Ms. Erin Gockel, Director of Enrichment Programs and Teacher Development, is leading changes in recruitment, mentoring, and gifted education.
Regarding gifted education, Ms. Gockel shared:
“We will have a gifted educator in every elementary school, which is really important because they will be part of that school's culture and will no longer be shared across schools. This will allow them to better serve and identify gifted students, as well as encourage all students to reach their highest potential, regardless of gifted designation. This change will help the district ensure that students are represented with greater equity and consistency, and that we are growing our talent pool. But, more importantly, it will change lives.”
On expanding enrichment opportunities, Ms. Gockel added:
“In the 2026–2027 school year, gifted educators will take the lead on all enrichment opportunities supported by the FMS Enrichment Office. The District Spelling Bee and District Science Fair will move to take place during the school day. Providing enrichment within the school day removes common barriers related to transportation, scheduling conflicts, and family resources. When opportunities are embedded into the instructional day, all students, regardless of background, have meaningful access.”
To further increase student participation in co-curricular academic activities across the district, the Enrichment Office will introduce a reorganized and expanded calendar of events for the coming school year. Confirmed dates will be set for the Spelling Bee, National History Day, Science Olympiad, Science Fair, and Math Counts, to broaden access and grow participation in each event so that more students than ever have the chance to discover their strengths, showcase their talents, and reach their full potential.
Sincerely,
Farmington Municipal Schools