Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Administrative appointments announced
Earlier this week, the Board of School Directors approved the appointments of Janice T. Lear as the new principal for Fred S. Engle Middle School (FSEMS), Ashley L. Penn as assistant principal for Avon Grove High School (AGHS) and Ardis Yocum as transportation specialist for Avon Grove School District (AGSD).
Effective July 1, 2022, Lear will join AGSD as the new principal for Fred S. Engle Middle School (FSEMS). She currently serves as a middle school assistant principal in Downingtown Area School District; previously, Lear taught in both the Unionville-Chadds Ford and Tredyffrin-Easttown School Districts at the middle school level.
“I am honored and humbled to serve as the new principal of Fred S. Engle Middle School in Avon Grove School District,” said Lear. “Having spent my entire educational career in middle-level education, I am passionate about providing a best-in-class experience for students and look forward to partnering with the staff, parents and community members at Avon Grove.”
Lear holds a master’s degree in leadership from The Pennsylvania State University and attained her principal certification through Immaculata University.
In addition, the Board of School Directors approved the appointment of Penn to the position of assistant principal for Avon Grove High School (AGHS), effective July 1. Since August of 2020, Penn has served as dean of students for AGHS. Prior to this assignment, Penn was an English teacher for AGHS. She earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership and from The Pennsylvania State University. Penn also holds K-12 principal, English and communications certifications.
AGSD appointed Yocum as transportation specialist, a new administrative position for the district. Yocum currently works as transportation manager at the Chester County Intermediate Unit and has over 30 years of experience in transportation coordination and operations. Yocum will join AGSD on May 2.