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Justin Welch Selected as South Meadows Middle School Principal
Wednesday, April 24, 2019 - Superintendent Scott announced today that Justin Welch, current principal of McKinney Elementary School, has been selected as the next principal of South Meadows Middle School, replacing Mary Mendez who will retire at the end of the school year.
Welch began his career as a fifth-grade teacher and grade level team leader in the Jordan School District in West Jordan, Utah. After five years in that position, he was given the opportunity to also serve as an administrative intern at the elementary, middle, and district office levels. Next, he was selected as the assistant principal of South Hills Middle School. In that role, he supervised the World Language, Social Studies, and Special Education departments at his school, and led professional development for all assistant principals in the district. He also collaborated with students and families on effective behavior and attendance interventions, and improved the school climate by creating video announcements focusing on student successes. After two-and-a-half years in that role and a brief time as principal of Midas Creek Elementary School, he moved to Hillsboro to accept the principal position at McKinney.
Over the past five years, Welch has created a Spanish-language Parent Advisory Council (PAC), gained status as a Nationally Distinguished Title I School, guided the school to a trauma-informed approach and implemented a wellness room, established an on-site food pantry and clothing closet for families in need, received nearly $80,000 in grants to support student engagement, and expanded after-school programming to include thirteen robust offerings for students.
“Bilingual in English and Spanish and a proven leader and collaborator, I am confident that Justin will do an outstanding job as the next principal of South Meadows,” remarked Scott.
Over the coming weeks, Welch and Mendez will determine opportunities for Welch to meet with staff and families so they can start getting to know him before his official transition on July 1.
The District is still determining the process for selecting McKinney’s next principal. Human Resources staff will meet with staff and parents on May 6 to gather feedback on the qualities and skills they would like to see in their next leader.
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