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 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!
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