Helen Steiner Rice Elementary’s Dean of Academic Outcomes, Evan Palo, will assume the role of turnaround principal for the pre-k through fifth grade school’s 2019-2020 school year.
Helen Steiner Rice Elementary’s Dean of Academic Outcomes, Evan Palo, will assume the role of turnaround principal for the pre-k through fifth grade school’s 2019-2020 school year.
Palo came to the district, in 2018, bringing with him a master’s degree in educational leadership, a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and the overarching theme of continued growth as a goal, amongst many. He began his career with the Ashtabula County Educational Service Center, where he developed instructional strategies to drive student growth.
Brandon Easton—who served as the school’s principal for two years, and worked alongside Palo for one—said his former dean is a “phenomenal leader” with great knowledge of academics, and a finger on the pulse of the needs of the school’s scholars and staff.
Easton added he believes the school, and its community, are left in good hands and sees Palo as the leader to continue a collaborative and positive culture throughout the building.
“That continued mindset to get better, and continued positive culture of everyone working together and supporting each other, is what will continue to drive Helen Steiner Rice Elementary forward,” Easton said of Palo.
Palo said he is extremely excited to be returning to Helen Steiner Rice Elementary, after a great year serving the scholars as dean of academic outcomes. He added he is excited to lead the school as turnaround principal, and looks forward to continuing the school's growth, focused on individual success while creating an environment where all scholars want to come to school.
“For 2019-2020 I plan to hit the ground running this year with that same growth mindset,” Palo said. “Working closely and in collaboration with these teachers, parents, and most importantly our scholars, I trust that Helen Steiner Rice Elementary will continue the pattern of growth that teachers, parents, and scholars expect.”
Dr. LaKimbre Brown, the district’s chief schools officer, recognized Palo’s growth mindset and the culture that has been established at Helen Steiner Rice Elementary under Easton’s previous leadership.
“Helen Steiner Rice Elementary has a vibrant, engaged staff who is constantly striving for the most effective ways to reach scholars,” Brown said. “Evan has been working closely with the Helen Steiner Rice community and will continue to build upon the upward trajectory already established.”
Palo said he highly values the leadership collaboration that was shared last school year, and trusts that the strengths and experience of the current leadership team will meet the needs of all scholars moving forward.
“The strength of our school is in each and every staff member, and I trust that this year they will again come together and execute a plan for success,” he added. “I look forward to celebrating scholar growth for years to come at Helen Steiner Rice.”
Posted Wednesday, August 21, 2019