Eight schools get new principals

The Baltimore Sun

School may be out for students, but for administrators, it remains in session. As they look to the next school year, a number of principals are preparing to take over new assignments this fall.

The changes include:

Theresa Ball, from Hampstead to Carrolltowne Elementary

Deborah Bunker, from Linton Springs to Mount Airy Elementary

Karen Covino, from assistant principal at Winfield Elementary to principal at Piney Ridge

Michael Eisenklam, from assistant principal at Cranberry Station Elementary to principal at Eldersburg

Robert Mitchell, from Manchester to Ebb Valley Elementary

Jacalyn Powell, from Eldersburg to Hampstead

Martin Tierney, from Carrolltowne to Manchester

Vicki Winner, from assistant principal at Manchester to principal at Linton Springs

"We always have some vacancies, and have to fill those vacancies in one way or another," said Jimmie Saylor, director of human resources for Carroll County Public Schools.

The school system looks to internal candidates and also recruits from other jurisdictions, she said, and usually tries to announce new principals by July 1.

Mitchell, who will be the new Ebb Valley's first principal, said he was looking forward to the challenge of opening a school.

"I'm anxious to get started, but just a little bit scared," said Mitchell, as he contemplated the additional factors he will have to consider for Ebb Valley, accounting for "every ball that bounces in the gym, every desk, every computer."

"We're responsible for bringing it all together," Mitchell said. "It's a humongous task when you think about it."

It's one he will be taking on in preparation for the school's scheduled opening in 2008.

Before a facility opens to students, it is customary for a principal and office manager to be assigned to the new building a year beforehand, Saylor said, to ensure the school is ready in time.

Several of Mitchell's colleagues, already moved to their new locations, said they were pleased with their changes, and eager for their different roles.

Covino, Piney Ridge Elementary's new principal, said she was on site working to finish scheduling and set things right for the fall.

"It's a little overwhelming but exciting," Covino said. "Piney Ridge is already a very high performing school, and I want to maintain that and at the same time continue the student progress and achievement."

Eisenklam, who served as Cranberry's assistant principal for two years, made a similar observation on his new post at Eldersburg Elementary. The former teacher in schools in Baltimore and Harford counties said he was excited.

"I'm ready to meet everybody and jump right in," he said.

arin.gencer@baltsun.com

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