Principals
Dr. Cheri Oliver - Principal
Dr. Cheri Oliver has worked as an educator for almost 25 years. She has taught kindergarten, second and fifth grade; as well as served as an administrator in three districts. This is her sixth year as the head principal of Fairmount Elementary School.
Dr. Oliver has many experiences in her educational background including Early Childhood, Character Education, and Special Education. She values school character and has helped Fairmount Elementary become a PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention System) School.
As a Fairmount Falcon, she enjoys reading and the outdoors. She helps to support all staff, students, and families within the Fairmount and Francis Howell community.
Kerri Tharp - Assistant Principal
Mrs. Kerri Tharp has over 30 years of experience in education that spans across three states. She taught 1st and 5th grades in Illinois before moving to Iowa to teach 8th grade ELA and Social Studies. During her career in Iowa, Mrs. Tharp served as an elementary and middle school Instructional Coach as well as the district’s Social Studies Curriculum and Professional Development Leader. Mrs. Tharp also worked with a team of educators to write the current K-12 Social Studies standards for the Iowa Department of Education.
Mrs. Tharp joined the Francis Howell School District in 2018 as the Administrative Intern at Harvest Ridge Elementary and accepted the Assistant Principal position in 2020. For the 2023-24 school year, Mrs. Tharp will serve as the Interim Assistant Principal at Fairmount Elementary. Mrs. Tharp has experience with PBIS systems as well as FHSD board policies and safety procedures. She is passionate about creating a safe environment where all students feel valued and accepted. Mrs. Tharp is excited to support the Fairmount school family in a multitude of capacities this year.
While away from school, Mrs. Tharp cherishes her time with her family and also enjoys antique markets, gardening, and doing anything outdoors. She looks forward to spending the year getting to know the Fairmount students, staff, and families.
Kate Marchetto - Assistant Principal
Mrs. Marchetto has worked as an educator for 15 years. She has taught first through fifth grade ; as well as served as Parkway-Rockwood Summer Enrichment Coordinator. This is her first year as an assistant principal of Fairmount Elementary School.
Mrs. Marchetto has many experiences in her elementary background including a Masters Degree in Reading K-12, Masters Degree in Administration K-12, and will be finishing her Doctoral Program for Educational Leadership. Mrs. Marchetto also brings educational experiences with PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention System), Character Education, and curriculum development. She values school character and creating a sense of belonging for all students, staff and families at Fairmount and within the FHSD community.
As a Fairmount Falcon, she enjoys reading and attending St. Louis sporting events. She helps to support all staff, students, and families within the Fairmount and Francis Howell community.
Dr. Jennifer Fakes - Administrative Intern
Dr. Fakes’ is very thrilled to start her administration journey at Fairmount Elementary! She has been in education for 17 years. She has worked on both primary and intermediate grade level teams throughout her teaching career in the Lincoln County School District and for Confluence Academy. During her education experiences she has served as grade level department chair, been a part of many committees, facilitated district PD’s, and joined the LEAP program here in the Francis School District. Most recently, Dr. Fakes has had the great pleasure of being a 1st grade teacher at Fairmount!
Dr. Fakes’ is excited to work as a collaborative member of the Fairmount administration team and work cooperatively with staff, parents and students of Fairmount! She is dedicated to building strong relationships and helping to create a safe and trusting environment for all.
On her free time she enjoys vacationing with her family and relaxing by the pool with her favorite book! She is overjoyed to be growing professionally with such a wonderful district, school and community and looks forward to supporting Fairmount Elementary this year!