News
Pinewood School welcomes new principal
July 2007
On
June 4, the Mohonasen Board of Education appointed Michele Hunter as
Principal of Pinewood Intermediate School, replacing former Interim
Principal Dr. Michael Johnson.
Hunter is a familiar face to the district. After college, she was a
permanent substitute at South Colonie Schools for one year, and then
became a fifth-grade teacher at our very own Pinewood Intermediate
School, where she stayed for four years. Hunter left Pinewood to
become an Instructional Supervisor at Malta Avenue Intermediate
School in the Ballston Spa School District, where she was for the
three years prior to accepting the Pinewood Principalship.
“I’m thrilled to return to the Pinewood community. I am committed to
ensure that all students experience success,” said Hunter.
Hunter holds a master’s degree in educational administration from
the University at Albany, a second master’s degree in literacy from
the College of Saint Rose, and a bachelor’s of science degree in
elementary education from the State University at Oswego.
Hunter is eager to capitalize on the momentum, energy and stability
that Dr. Johnson brought to the school. She feels her former
instructional leadership role at the intermediate level will be a
huge asset, and she is looking forward to continue working with the
teachers and staff to increase student achievement.
“I believe in cultivating partnerships between parents, teachers,
and students. These partnerships facilitate consistent communication
and a team-oriented approach that enhance student achievement and
growth,” added Hunter.
Johnson moves to the district office
On August 1, Dr. Michael J. Johnson will move
from his Interim Principal position at Pinewood into the district
office as Interim Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and
Instruction. Johnson will be replacing the current Assistant
Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Lisa Cutting, who
will be going out on maternity leave.
Johnson
came to the district last year with 30 years of experience in
education. Prior to his arrival, Johnson was the Superintendent of
Schools at Averill Park Central School District since 1999, where he
was responsible for establishing high academic standards and
monitoring results for state exams, graduation results and
attendance rates. Johnson also worked as the Assistant
Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Personnel at the
Niskayuna School District for seven years, was a grade 5-8 Principal
at Queensbury Middle School for seven years, an Assistant Principal
at Scotia-Glenville High School for three years, a Dean of Students
at Guilderland High School for two years and a Guidance Counselor
and Alternate Education Program teacher at Glens Falls Junior High
School for four years. Additionally, he has been an adjunct
professor at the State University at Plattsburgh since 1989, where
he continues to teach courses in classroom management, managing
disruptive behavior and best practices in administration.
Johnson holds a doctoral degree in Educational Administration (EdD)
from Columbia University. He earned his School District
Administrator’s (SDA) certification from the State University of New
York at Albany and earned a Certificate of Advanced Study in
Counseling, a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree
all from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.
Over the past year, Johnson played a visible role at Pinewood, and
got to know the students, teachers, academic administrators and
parents. He worked closely with the grade level team facilitators
and academic administrators, as well as Bradt Principal Diane McIver
to facilitate continuity in the K-5 curriculum. Johnson was
instrumental in helping to coordinate fundraisers for the new
Pinewood playground, although he may be best remembered by students
for his kickball playing skills!
