July 10, 2025 -- Lindbergh and East Columbus Elementary Schools and Whetstone High School will have new principals for the 2025-2026 school year, but the three administrators are not new to Columbus City Schools.
Lindbergh Elementary School Welcomes Principal Sarah Patterson
We are excited to announce Sarah Patterson’s appointment as the new Principal of Lindbergh Elementary School. Patterson steps into her new role with a wealth of experience and a deep dedication to advancing educational excellence.
Patterson has been with Columbus City Schools (CCS) since 2020, serving in various capacities, including her most recent role as Assistant Principal at Briggs High School. Her District experience also involved a position as an Emotional Disturbance Educator.
Prior to CCS, Patterson served as an Intervention Specialist, High School Mathematics Principal, and Director of Special Education. Patterson’s commitment to student achievement, forward-thinking instructional practices, and strong community partnerships has earned her recognition as a trusted leader in the District.
Patterson holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Cincinnati and a Bachelor of Science in Intervention Specialist from the University of Akron. She is licensed as a Principal for Grades PK-6, 4-9 and 5-12 in Ohio.
Patterson looks forward to continuing her educational leadership journey at Lindbergh.
“As I step into this new role, I am filled with both excitement and gratitude,” said Patterson. “It is a true honor to join the Lindbergh family and contribute to a community deeply dedicated to cultivating lifelong learners. I remain proud to continue my service on the West Side— Best Side!”
East Columbus Welcomes Principal Natanya Pritchett
East Columbus will have a new face in the halls beginning this school year. Natanya Pritchett is the newly appointed Principal of East Columbus Elementary School, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. With 24 years of experience in elementary education, Pritchett has shown determination to educational excellence. With her wealth of knowledge and passion for student success, Pritchett will bring new experiences and opportunities to our school community.
“I am passionate about building strong relationships,” Pritchett said. “[I want to] foster a positive school culture, and ensure every child feels valued, challenged, and supported.”
Pritchett began her education career in 2001 at Innis Elementary. Since then, she has taught at Maybury Elementary, before transitioning to Instructional Coach in 2012. Most recently, Pritchett accepted a Leadership Intern position at Parkmoor and East Linden Elementary Schools. Both of these experiences increased her high-level knowledge of building functions, collaboration skills, and implementation of data-based decisions and best practices.
Pritchett brings a strong academic foundation to her role as principal of East Columbus Elementary. She earned a Bachelors of Science in Education from the University of Dayton and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Rhode Island. Pritchett also earned her principal licensure from Ashland University and holds multiple endorsements from The Ohio State University. These endorsements include, reading, computer technology, and teacher leadership, all crucial in her role as principal.
“I am thrilled to join the East Columbus Eagles community,” Pritchett said. “I look forward to soaring to new heights together as we support the growth and success of every student.”
With Pritchetts strong foundation and years of experience, we look forward to welcoming her aboard at East Columbus Elementary and seeing a new era of growth and success for our students.
Whetstone High School Welcome Principal Kimberly Rodriguez
Whetstone High School is welcoming a familiar face as its new leader. Kimberly Rodriguez, a 1991 Whetstone graduate, has been named the school’s new principal starting in the 2025-2026 school year., bringing decades of experience and a deep personal connection to the community.
Rodriguez has dedicated her career to Columbus City Schools since 2003, serving as a Spanish teacher, World Language Department Chair, Leadership Mentor, and principal at multiple schools, including Mifflin High School and Columbus Global Academy. She has been recognized for her leadership and dedication to student success, earning the 2024 City Year Columbus Principal Red Coat Award. Under her leadership, her schools have maintained Ohio Department of Education PBIS Bronze Award status for more than five years.
Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. Rodriguez earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Spanish from The Ohio State University, followed by a Master of Education Administration from Ashland University. She holds a Superintendent’s Licensure and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) at The Ohio State University, with an expected graduation in 2027.
Returning to Whetstone is a full-circle moment for Rodriguez. As a student, she was captain of the volleyball and swim teams, played a leadership role in the band, and was inducted into the Whetstone Athletic Hall of Fame. Her three children also graduated from Whetstone, further deepening her ties to the school.
Rodriguez’s leadership style focuses on empowering staff, fostering student autonomy, and creating an environment where both students and educators thrive. She is honored to serve the school and community that shaped her journey.
“The legacy is here,” Rodriguez said. “I am honored and humbled to serve the community that raised me.”
Whetstone High School and Columbus City Schools look forward to the positive impact of Rodriguez’s leadership.
