On Monday, June 5, 2023, the State College Area School District Board of Directors unanimously approved Meredith Henderson to be the next principal of Easterly Parkway Elementary School.
Currently the Mount Nittany Middle School assistant principal, Henderson has been with the district since 2007. She will succeed Susan Lunsford, who is retiring, and begin her new role on July 1.
“I am thrilled to join the community at Easterly Parkway where I will uphold the commitment to academic excellence in the inclusive environment I have observed through the years,” Henderson said. “I look forward to connecting with the students, families, staff, and faculty. The opportunity to collaborate to support student growth is beyond exciting. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this way.”
Prior to joining the MNMS administration in 2021, Henderson taught English at State College Area High School and Hollidaysburg Senior High School for 14 years. For six years during that period, she also worked as a supervisor/administrative intern in the district’s Community Education program, managing more than 200 elementary students daily and supervising summer school, summer camp for English language learning students, and the Shorts and Sports program, among other responsibilities. Throughout her career, she also has served on various teams and committees, including ones for ninth-grade learning community leadership, universal screening, strategic plan data analysis, faculty advisory, curriculum planning and school improvement.
After graduating from Penn State in 2007 with secondary English education and integrative arts degrees, Henderson went on to earn a master’s degree in 21st century teaching and learning from Wilkes University and a master’s degree in educational leadership/K-12 principal certification from Edinboro University. In the community, she sits on the Arc of Centre County board of directors as vice president and volunteers with the Special Olympics. To select Henderson to recommend to the Board, the district completed a search that included input from Easterly Parkway teachers and staff, parents, board members, and administrators.
“Mrs. Henderson's ability and passion to build relationships with all stakeholders as well as her understanding of instructional practices were evident throughout the interview process and made her the top candidate for the position,” Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Danielle Yoder said. “Additionally, she brings with her a solid foundation of equity and belonging and has a strong desire to build culture within the school and the entire community. Mrs. Henderson is enthusiastic and understanding in her approach and is student-focused. She will be a wonderful addition to the Easterly Parkway team and community.”
By Chris Rosenblum
Posted June 6, 2023
