Interim principals Melinda Vazquez-Markley and Patrick (Paddy) Muench are becoming permanent principals of Ross Elementary and Washington Elementary, respectively, after the school board approves their appointments on Feb. 21.
Mrs. Vazquez-Markley and Mr. Muench have led both schools since the beginning of the year as interim principals.
Mrs. Vazquez-Markley, who will become principal of Ross Elementary, was a longtime learning support teacher and, later, an exceptional student specialist, all at the elementary level and all in SDoL. Mr. Muench, of Washington Elementary, was an elementary teacher for four years, including three at Lafayette Elementary in SDoL, as well as sixth grade science at Reynolds Middle School for three years.
Both are former principal residents, a program that prepares aspiring SDoL leaders to become administrators through practical leadership experiences in district schools and master’s-level coursework through Millersville University.
“I hope their successes inspire other teacher leaders to consider applying for this program and growing their careers in the School District of Lancaster,” said Matthew Przywara, the district’s acting superintendent. “Both Mrs. Vazquez-Markley and Mr. Muench have ably led their schools as interim principals this year. The teams at both schools have responded well to their leadership, and the hiring committee was impressed with their visions for the schools.”