Bringing extensive experience in elementary education, a track record of instituting and em- ploying innovative programs focused on hands-on learning, and a proven aptitude towards engaging students in modern technology, Nancy Salvetti Naimey has been named the new principal of St. James Catholic School in Biddeford. Mrs. Naimey replaces Patricia Berthiaume, who was named the new principal at St. John Catholic School in Brunswick last month.

“The search committee was impressed by her devout faith and evident friendliness,” said Msgr. René Mathieu, Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish. “We also found appealing her ex- perience with both public and Catholic schools, and her collaborative style. I think she is the perfect fit for St. James Catholic School as we begin a new chapter of our history.”

Since 2011, Mrs. Naimey has served as Assistant Principal at St. Augustine School, a Catholic school (Nursery-Grade 8) with over 400 students in Andover, Mass. Among her many duties at St. Augustine, Mrs. Naimey oversaw the introduction of iPads to the school and worked with teachers to successfully integrate technology and engineering into the classroom setting.

From 1999 to 2011, Mrs. Naimey was a teacher at the Kennebunkport Consolidated School where she taught kindergarten, first grade, second grade and third grade over the course of her time at the school. She developed and implemented the first multiage program at the Consolidated School and participated on several district committees. Mrs. Naimey was also a founder for the ‘Trust Our Children’ partnership between the school and the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust. The program coordinates authentic learning experiences with a focus on local history. In addition, Mrs. Naimey was chairperson of the ‘Go Green’ partnership between teachers, community members and parents. ‘Go Green’ created six different theme units for students to learn about environmental awareness and alternative energy. Activities ranged from learning about a trash-free lunch to comparing and contrasting different forms of energy. From 2009–2011, Mrs. Naimey served as a commissioner for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Public Elementary and Middle Schools.

She has been an active member of Holy Spirit Parish in Kennebunk for over thirty years, including two stints on the Pastoral Council (1998–2000, 2007–present). She was a member of Kennebunk’s Conservation Commission (1991–2001) and was recognized as ‘Volunteer of the Year’ by the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust in 2009.

Mrs. Naimey holds a B.A. in Art/Education from Regis College in Weston, Mass. She earned her M.S. Ed. and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Maine in Gorham.