
BSD is excited to announce that the Flynn Principal Advisory Committee has selected three finalists to be the next principal of JJ Flynn: Fieh Chan (current Assistant Principal at Milton Elementary School), Sally Hayes (current Principal of Brewster-Pierce School), and Michelle Basile (former principal of St. Timothy School in San Mateo, CA). Please find complete bios below!
On Thursday, candidates will tour the school, attend a Staff Forum, and participate in an in-person Community Forum from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The forum will take place in the Flynn gymnasium, Childcare and interpretation services will be provided, and the forum will be streamed to our YouTube channel.
Following these forums, attendees will have the opportunity to share their views on the candidates via this brief survey. (Please take the survey ASAP; it closes Friday at 2:30 pm.) The goal of the process is to bring a candidate forward to the board for the June 4th board meeting, with a plan to have our new principal begin on July 1.
Meet the Candidates!

My name is Michelle Basile and I am honored for my candidacy to be welcomed as part of the search process for the new principal of J.J. Flynn Elementary. I moved to Vermont in the past year with my family and have been wholly inspired by the active, dedicated community that supports students and families here in Burlington.
I am a graduate of The University of Virginia (B.S.) and The University of San Francisco (M.A.), and hold nearly two and a half decades of experience in the field of education. My career as an educator began with an educational services company during its expansion phase, followed by ten years as an elementary classroom teacher and teacher-leader, and then, most recently, ten years as principal of a vibrant K-8 school in San Mateo, CA.
My work is centered around a core belief that all students deserve a school experience that is safe, joyful, engaging, responsive, and just, and that supporting inclusive school communities requires a continuous commitment to learning and action. We, as educators who serve our students and families in a range of capacities, must always strive to grow in ways that help us better meet these priorities.
As an elementary school administrator, I focus on strengthening systems, structures, processes and pedagogy in the pursuit of equitable access and high outcomes for all students. My consistent aim is to foster collaboration and work carefully to facilitate teaching and learning that is research-based, aligned to clear goals, and supported by the voices of a diverse group of school community shareholders. I value the uniqueness we each bring to the learning environment as well as the strength in our collective efforts.
I currently live in Burlington with my husband, John, and my three children who have each enjoyed their transition to the Burlington School District this school year. Outside of school, you may find me exploring new places near and far, relaxing with a crossword in one hand and morning coffee in the other, on the lookout for a fun vintage treasure, or enjoying a meal together with my family and friends.
I am thrilled to have become part of the Burlington community and look forward to a leadership role in which I can collaborate with a great team toward promoting the best possible educational opportunities for our children.

My name is Fieh Chan. I am an experienced educator with a deep commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments and promoting equity in education. I currently serve as the Assistant Principal at Milton Elementary School, bringing with me 24 years of experience in the field of education, with a diverse background spanning teaching, mentorship, and educational leadership.
Originally from Washington DC, I began my career as a high school math teacher in Maryland, dedicating four years to inspiring students in mathematics. My journey in education led me to Vermont, where I taught high school math in Rutland for over 15 years. During my tenure, I not only taught math but also played a pivotal role in creating an engineering program at the regional technical center and spearheaded community outreach initiatives to bridge the gap between the school and the wider community.
As my career progressed, I took on various leadership roles, including serving as the STEM & Outreach Coordinator at the Stafford Technical Center. In my role, I partnered with schools county-wide to increase access to the programs and resources available, ensuring all students had the opportunity to explore their interests and pursue their passions. I then had the opportunity to serve as Interim Assistant Principal at Rutland Middle school, where I further honed my skills in administration and school management.
Seeking a community aligned more closely with my personal background and values, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to join the Burlington School District as the Assistant Principal at Edmunds Middle School. I later transitioned to Milton Elementary School to further develop my professional skills and focus on the crucial early childhood years, recognizing these formative experiences profoundly shape a student’s educational journey.
For the past five years, I have served as the Assistant Principal at Milton Elementary School, overseeing a student body of over 630 students, making it the largest elementary school in the area. In this role, I have continued to champion inclusivity, equity, and excellence in education, working tirelessly to create a nurturing environment where every student feels safe, valued, and heard.
During my time at Milton Elementary School, I actively supported the rewriting of our diversity policy and behavior procedure policies to ensure they aligned with our commitment to equity and restorative practices. Additionally, I collaborated with staff to create a vision of student learning that not only aligned with district goals but also better reflected the developmental processes and needs of elementary students. This vision was informed by feedback from faculty, staff, students, and families, ensuring it represented the diverse needs and perspectives of our school community.
My diverse background and experiences have equipped me with a deep understanding of the complexities of education and a passion for fostering positive change within schools and communities. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise and leadership to JJ Flynn and contribute to the ongoing success and growth of the students and staff.
Outside of work, I find joy in spending time with my wife and two sons, whether it’s exploring the outdoors, cooking together, or supporting my children at track and lacrosse competitions. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is important to me, and I prioritize self-care and exercise to recharge and rejuvenate in order to bring my best self to my school community each day.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Dietetics/ Nutrition from the University of Vermont. This background in nutrition has remained a foundation when supporting students as it provides a unique lens to understanding the whole child. I went on to earn my elementary teaching credentials at UVM and then my Masters in Educational Leadership from the Upper Valley Educators Institute in Lebanon, NH.
In my current role as principal I have worked to build trust and a sense of teamwork among our entire staff, which allows us to collaborate and determine together which practices are needed to meet each child where they are on their own learning journey. I continue to take classes and work on teams exploring equitable and inclusive teaching practices. This work is a journey that needs our attention, and as a school leader I will support educators so they can continue to make positive changes in their own practice. I also continue to remain curious and examine my own biases and how they might impact my role as leader of the school.
When I am not working, you will find me hiking, biking, paddle boarding, walking my dog or playing with my grandchildren. I also love to bake, practice calligraphy, garden, read or just spend time anywhere outside in nature. Spending time with my family is a gift and something I deeply value. As a resident of the “New North End” for 35 years and a person with a strong commitment to my local community and public education, I would be excited to lead Flynn Elementary School and help facilitate positive change in the school and local community.
Thank you Search Advisory Team!
Colleen Cowell
Miriam Ehtesham-Cating
Tyce Foltz
Denise Haggerty
Wendy Higgins
John Hutchinson
Michelle Meola
Mary Moore
Janine Plumer
Quaron Pinckney
Victor Prussak
Emily Russen
Kim Simmons
Bobbi-Jo Van Guilder
Chi Wong