August 5, 2022 -- Throughout the summer, Columbus City Schools has announced several new principalships. Now, CCS is pleased to announce 14 more new principalships ahead of the 2022-2023 school year.
Briggs High School
Pamela Smith will serve as the new principal of Briggs High School.
She joined CCS in 1993 and has spent 21 years working as a building administrator. Students may recognize Smith as she has been walking the Briggs hallways as assistant principal since 2011.
“I can't wait to see the students’ reaction to me as the principal, not assistant principal. Will they laugh, smile, cry, scream, hide, or hug me? I am sure all of the above; these are all natural reactions of teenagers, and I love it,” Smith said.
Smith attended the University of Dayton for her Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and Fitness Management. She received her K-12 Principal Certification from Ashland University. She returned to UD to earn her Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning.
Burroughs Elementary School
Dr. Michael Eicher will serve as the new principal of Burroughs Elementary School.
Dr. Eicher comes to Burroughs from Centennial High School where he served as the assistant principal for the past two years. He started his professional career as a CCS student teacher before serving Ohio’s rural and suburban school districts in various administrative roles.
“I am so excited and humbled to be named as Principal of Burroughs Elementary,” Eicher said. “Working collaboratively, we can take Burroughs Elementary School to new heights and soar as a model elementary school.”
Dr. Eicher holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning, Science Education and Educational Policy and Leadership from The Ohio State University, a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and a Doctorate in Education from Ohio University.
Cassady Elementary School
Amber Hall will serve as the new principal for Cassady Elementary School.
Hall began her journey with CCS at North Linden in 2018. She most recently served as a leadership intern at Northgate Intermediate and Gables Elementary the year prior.
“Educating our future generations is super special to me. This work is my passion, and I cannot wait to grow with CCS. I am super excited to be working with the amazing staff at Cassady.”
Hall holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Missouri Valley College, a Master’s in Elementary Education, and her Educational Specialist Degree in Administration.
Columbus Africentric Middle School
Henry Warren will serve as principal for Columbus Africentric Early College Middle School.
Warren has extensive experience in educational administration, recently serving as an assistant principal at CAEC High School. Prior to that, he served as a technology teacher and a director.
Warren is a proud CCS alumnus and has spent time outside of education helping to guide children to success through mentoring and counseling.
He plans to continue helping students and families as CAEC Middle School Principal.
Columbus Africentric High School
Sherri Williams has been selected as the new director of Columbus Africentric Early College.
Williams has spent 32 years working in education, 28 of them with CCS. She started working as a teacher, moving her way up to assistant principal and then principal within the district.
Williams received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Howard University and a Master of Arts in Policy and Leadership, as well as an Assistant Superintendent license from The Ohio State University. She is also furthering her education to receive her Doctorate from Ohio State.
Williams plans to set goals and measure success by using data, collaboration and community partnerships.
“The mission and vision of our school are a testament to countless hours of hard work, collaboration, and inspiration. We should all be proud of what we have achieved together. As director, I aim to continue this great legacy and look forward to #TheNEXTLEVEL.”
Clinton Elementary School
New to CCS, Jesse McKown will serve as the new principal at Clinton Elementary School.
McKown has more than 10 years of leadership experience in education and through his time in the United States Army National Guard.
Most recently, he served as principal for the Focus Learning Academy of Northern Columbus. He also has served as vice principal and dean of students for the Focus Learning Academy.
He enlisted in the United States Army National Guard in 2011 and currently holds the rank of Captain.
McKown earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Ohio University and his Master’s in Educational Administration from The Ohio State University.
“This year, I am honored to have the opportunity to continue the legacy of academic excellence established at Clinton Elementary, while providing a fun, exciting, and nurturing learning experience tailored to each student’s individual needs,” McKown said.
Columbus International High School
Douglas Lowery will serve as the new principal of Columbus International High School.
A CCS alum, Lowery has a wealth of experience, serving 46 years in education. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Ohio Dominican University and his Master’s in Educational Administration from University of Dayton.
He spent a majority of his career at Hilliard City School and served as a superintendent of the Ohio School for Deaf for five years. Additionally, he has received honors including Ohio Principal of the Year in 2003 and National Principal of the Year in 2004.
“My dream has been to come back to where I started,” Lowery said. “I’m excited and thrilled to have the opportunity to serve those who have served me. I’m thankful for the opportunity and happy to be part of the CCS family.”
East High School
Dr. Kelvin Watson has been selected as the new principal at East High School.
Entering his third school year as a principal with CCS, Dr. Watson has also held various principalship roles with Miami-Dade Public School District, Moore County, and Cleveland Metro School District.
Dr. Watson brings an excellent reputation as an innovative leader. As principal at East High School, he will provide the leadership needed to grow and educate aspiring CCS scholars toward excellence.
Dr. Watson holds a Bachelor's Degree in Technical Education from the University of Akron, and a Master of Science Degree from The University of Miami. Additionally, he holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.
Eastgate Elementary School
Mary Pettigrew will serve as the principal at Eastgate Elementary School.
Pettigrew began her career with CCS in 2001 after accepting a teaching position at Livingston Elementary. Her 17 year tenure with the district includes teaching at the primary level at Livingston and Fairwood Elementary Schools. Additionally, she has served as an instructional coach and leadership intern.
Pettigrew brings an excellent reputation as a skilled instructor and most recently, she served as assistant principal at Hamilton STEM for the past five years.
During her tenure with the district, Pettigrew has demonstrated commitment to ensuring all students learn to their maximum potential and fostering innovation through collaboration with teachers, staff, students, and families.
Pettigrew holds a Bachelor’s from West Liberty University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Franklin University. Additionally, she holds a Master’s in Educational Administration from Concordia University.
Linden McKinley High School
Dr. Michael McCrory will lead as the new principal of Linden-McKinley High School.
Dr. McCrory started his career in education in Missouri, working as an eighth grade science and ninth grade American government teacher. He came to Ohio in 2014 after completing his Doctorate at Maryville University.
He has served in various leadership roles within CCS, most recently as assistant principal at Linden-McKinley STEM Academy.
“I believe education is the pathway to providing options for students. I believe that it's the charge of educators such as myself to empower students with critical thinking skills, so they can make choices that allow them to pursue whatever dreams and goals that they've set for themselves,” McCrory said.
Mifflin Middle School
New to CCS but no stranger to the principalship, Teri Coward-Burns will serve as the new principal for Mifflin Middle School.
Coward-Burns comes to CCS with over 20 years of experience, most recently, from South-Western City School District where she served as principal at an alternative school.
“My heart is with the city schools – that urban setting. I’m excited to give back to a community that I love to serve. My goal is to learn and acclimate myself to the ‘Power of One’ and the ‘Portrait of a Graduate’.”
Coward-Burns holds an Associate’s Degree in Prekindergarten Programs, a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Youngstown State University.
Ohio Avenue Elementary School
Anthony Williams will serve as the new principal of Ohio Avenue Elementary School.
Mr. Williams comes to this position from Livingston Avenue where he served as assistant principal for two years.
Prior to his time in education, Mr. Williams earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Central State University and a Master’s Degree and Principal License from The Ohio State University. He has participated in a number of corporate training opportunities and is a business owner as well as an educator.
As principal, Mr. Williams is hoping to help bridge any existing gaps that may prevent students from reaching their full potential.
Shady Lane Elementary School
Candace Osborne-Edgerton will lead as the new principal of Shady Lane Elementary School.
Osborne-Edgerton is a proud CCS alumna , having graduated from Columbus Alternative High School. She attended Kentucky State University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She then moved to Virginia, where she taught for nine years before receiving her Master’s Degree from Regent University.
Osborne-Edgerton is setting a goal to improve communication between school staff and families so “every child has an opportunity to reach their short- and long-term goals.”
Wedgewood Middle School
William Doermann will serve as the new principal of Wedgewood Middle School.
Doermann has spent his entire career working with CCS. He has served as an administrator in multiple schools across the District. Most recently, he served as a hearing officer.
Doermann is committed to working alongside students and staff to create a positive learning environment.
“My goal is to provide a safe and supportive climate for the students to receive a high-quality education,” Doermann said. “I want to assist in assuring that each student grows towards their full potential.”
Doermann attended Ohio Northern University for his undergraduate degree and The Ohio State University for his graduate program. In addition, he holds a Deputy Superintendent certification from Ohio State.
