An administrative intern and a former Dean of Students have joined the Pioneer High School leadership team for the start of 2023-24.
At its Aug. 15 regular meeting, the Pioneer Board of Education approved several new staff to join Acting Principal Joseph Cappadonia, who took over for former principal Katelyn Welker on Aug. 1. Assistant principal Michael Jansma will be helping the leadership at Pioneer Middle School to start the year.
Caroline Krug will be serving as an administrative intern effective August 21. Ms. Krug is taking her School Business Leadership exam soon and has a wealth of experience in teaching and leading in various educational settings, both locally and internationally. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the College of the Holy Cross, a Master of Science in Education from SUNY Buffalo State, and is completing her final semester in the School Building Leader Advanced Certificate program at Canisius College.
Ms. Krug holds professional certifications in Students With Disabilities 7-12, English Language Arts 7-12, and an Administrative Internship Certificate through New York State. Ms. Krug taught English Language Arts to high school students at the Stanley G. Falk School for six years before gaining administrative experience as a Teacher on Special Assignment. She brings with her several years of experience implementing Therapeutic Crisis Intervention techniques and behavioral support strategies to meet students' emotional and behavioral needs.
Prior to joining the Stanley G. Falk Schools, Ms. Krug served as an Americorps member and taught English as a second language in China and Thailand. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and camping with her two coonhounds and her four-month-old son.
Meanwhile, Jeff Mason is rejoining the high school. A former Pioneer High School history teacher and Dean of Students, and current historian for Arcade and Pioneer, Mr. Mason will be serving in an Administrative Support/Dean of Students role to start the school year. He will be assisting the administrative team with hallway and cafeteria supervision and student discipline issues, and will be attending a variety of school events. He has two grandchildren in the high school.
Pioneer will be conducting a search for its next high school principal and assistant principal over the coming months. A Meet the Principal Night will be held the evening of Aug. 23 at the high school.