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WASD School Board Approves Administrative Position Changes for the 2022-2023 School Year

District Wide

April 05, 2022 | Community

A panel of headshots showing those administrators who will change positions.

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (APRIL 5, 2022) — The Williamsport Area School Board approved a number of administrative changes tonight that will take effect next school year, beginning July 1.  

Williamsport Area High School Head Principal Dr. Brandon Pardoe was named as the district’s new director of student services, replacing Dr. Richard Poole, who was recently hired as WASD’s new assistant superintendent.

Pardoe began his career in education in 1992 as a fifth-grade teacher at Long Branch Elementary School in Arlington, Va. He moved back to the area in 1993 to become a second- and third-grade teacher at Loyalsock Valley Elementary School in Montoursville, where he worked for six years.

He started his time at WASD in 2002 when he was hired as principal of Round Hills Elementary School after having worked in the same capacity for three years at J. George Becht School in Loyalsock Township. Starting in 2007, Pardoe became a head middle school principal, a position he held for seven years between Curtin Middle School and Williamsport Area Middle School (WAMS) before taking on his latest administrative role in 2014.

“I am looking forward to working in collaboration with the WASD leadership team, other professionals and community agencies in order to meet the numerous needs of students for WASD in the role of director of student services,” Pardoe said.

Dr. Roger Freed will take over as head principal of WAHS, moving up from his position as ninth-grade principal.

Freed’s career in education began in 2011 as a math teacher at WAHS before becoming the secondary special education coordinator for the district in 2015. He also served briefly as an assistant principal at Jackson Primary before taking on his latest post.

“I’m humbled and excited about the opportunity to lead the outstanding group of educators, staff, students and families at WAHS to continue to support our mission of developing responsible citizens through excellence in education,” Freed said. “I am thankful to the Williamsport Area School District, our community, and my colleagues and family who have supported me throughout my professional journey.”

A 17-year veteran of the district, Dr. Justin Ross will become the associate principal at WAHS. Ross will move from WAMS, where he’s served as head principal since 2017.

Ross’s career in education began in 2005 as an alternative education teacher at Round Hills Elementary School before he became a special education teacher at Curtin Middle School in 2007. He later worked as a special education consultant for the district, the secondary special education coordinator and has been a freshmen principal at WAHS before he took on his latest role.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to return to the high school,” Ross said. “I’m looking forward to working alongside Dr. Freed in his new role as we work together — along with the whole WAHS team — to continue the work in providing and building upon the amazing educational experience for all our students.”

Kirk Felix will take over as head principal of WAMS. Felix will move to his new position from serving as head principal at Cochran Primary School.

Felix began his career in education at WASD as an elementary teacher in 1997, and, since 2004, has served as a principal at a number of elementary buildings.

“My family and I have been fortunate to get to work with so many talented individuals in these schools, offices and the communities served,” Felix said. “My time at Stevens, Jackson and Cochran have been amazing opportunities. Now, I am looking forward to the opportunity at WAMS. I will miss working daily with my administrative, teaching and support staff colleagues at the elementary level. At the same time, I look forward to collaborating on our mission with everyone from the middle school.”

Jackson Primary School Head Principal Theresa Montgomery will become the district’s elementary curriculum supervisor (K-6), replacing John Killian, who retires June 30.

Montgomery began her career in education in 1989 at Bedford Area School District. During her 30-year career there, she was a kindergarten, second-, fifth- and seventh-grade teacher. She came to WASD last fall having most recently worked as an elementary school principal in the Huntingdon Area School District.

“Thank you WASD for entrusting me with the awesome staff and students at Jackson,” Montgomery said. “They will always hold a special place in my heart. I am humbled to be given a chance at my dream job as a supervisor of elementary curriculum. I am looking forward to working side-by-side with our educators to continue our strong tradition of providing a quality curriculum and instruction that strives to prepare all students for a bright future.”

Erin Brouse will be Jackson Primary School’s new head principal, moving up from her role as assistant principal, replacing Montgomery.  

Brouse began her career in education in 2001 as a third-grade teacher in the Wellsboro Area School District and has been part of the Millionaire team since 2004. She began her time as principal last fall after most recently serving as a primary instructional coach and reading specialist.

“I am very thankful and excited for the opportunity to continue working with our amazing school community at Jackson Primary,” Brouse said. “I look forward to promoting, supporting and enhancing relationships as we work together to create a positive school culture focused on supporting all in learning and achievement.”

Stevens Primary School Principal Jim Ellis will move to Cochran Primary as head principal.

Ellis began his career in education in 2001 as a seventh-grade social studies teacher at Loyalsock Township Middle School, where he worked for eight years. He then became an assistant principal at Milton Middle School in 2009 before he became principal of both White Deer and Montandon Elementary schools in 2011. He was hired to his latest position at WASD in 2014.

Ellis’s move to Cochran will remain in place should Stevens remain open, which would create a principal opening for that building. A decision on Stevens’ future will be made during the May 17 school board meeting.

“I’ve had the privilege to work with the staff, students and community of Stevens Primary School for the past seven years,” Ellis said. “I am looking forward to building the same relationships with the Cochran community.”

Tristin Forney will take over as assistant principal at Lycoming Valley Intermediate School, moving up from his position as the building’s dean of students.

Forney began his career in education in 2007 at the School District of Philadelphia as an eighth-grade math and science teacher and came to WASD in 2008 as a middle school math teacher.

“I’m excited to build on our positive experiences for our students, parents and staff in the new school year,” Forney said.

Superintendent Dr. Timothy S. Bowers said he couldn’t be more pleased with tonight’s approved changes.

“These position shifts and promotions provide some level of continuity in the work already being done in each of these roles that will continue pushing the district forward in a positive direction,” Bowers said. “These new assignments also ensure the district continues to realize its vision of an even stronger district, which is a testament to the knowledge, experience and commitment of each of those approved into their new roles tonight. Congratulations to each them.”

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