Buchanan Elementary School is getting a new interim principal as the district continues its search for a permanent replacement, Superintendent Dr. Damaris Rau announced.
Mr. Justin Reese, currently an associate principal at the McCaskey High School Campus, has agreed to serve Buchanan as interim principal for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year. He replaces Dr. Colleen Hovanec, who served as interim principal for a year.
“I am extremely excited about this opportunity for professional growth with the School District of Lancaster,” Reese said. “I am exceptionally grateful to have worked with my colleagues at McCaskey, and I am confident that the incredible faculty, staff, and students will continue to thrive in 2020.”
SDoL continues to recruit for a permanent Buchanan principal. The district hired an experienced candidate last spring, but he cited personal reasons for resigning before starting in the role.
“Due to the nature of a school calendar, it is difficult for professionals to move between schools in the middle of the academic year,” said SDoL Superintendent Damaris Rau. “While we continue to review applicants, we are not ready to close our search. I am grateful to Mr. Reese for stepping up to serve the district in this way, and I am confident he will be a strong, steady leader for Buchanan Elementary.”
Mr. Reese’s first day will be January 1.
The McCaskey Campus leadership team will collaborate to fulfill Mr. Reese’s duties in his absence. Effective immediately, Campus Principal John Lischner will assume many of the duties at J.P. to ensure a smooth transition. He will delegate to other administrators as needed.