On Monday, May 16, 2022, the State College Area School District Board of Directors approved Interim Park Forest Middle School Assistant Principal Paul Brigman to be the new Spring Creek Elementary School principal beginning June 6.
Brigman will take over for Todd Dishong, who is leaving to become the Portage Area School District superintendent. A district employee since 2013, Brigman also has served as lead school counselor at State College Area High School, the dean of students at Park Forest and Mount Nittany middle schools, and a restorative practices trainer.
Prior to joining the district, Brigman worked with elementary-aged students for eight years as the program and camp director for Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center’s Outdoor School and summer camp programs.
“I am beyond thrilled for the opportunity to join the team of amazing educators at Spring Creek Elementary as the next building principal,” Brigman said. “It will be difficult to say goodbye to my colleagues at Park Forest Middle School and the high school, but I am already feeling welcomed by the Spring Creek community and I am excited to begin building relationships with faculty, staff, students, and families. For 17 years, I have been passionately committed to promoting a love of learning in children of all ages, and I plan to bring that wholehearted passion to SCE.”
Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Danielle Yoder said the search for Spring Creek’s new principal included input from teachers, parents, board members and administrators.
“Paul brings with him years of experience in various levels of education,” Yoder said “He worked with elementary students for over eight years as part of the Shaver's Creek education program and spent time as a counselor prior to moving into administration at PFMS. His understanding of restorative practices and social/emotional support systems as well as his proactive approach to building relationships with all stakeholders are true strengths of his overall character. Additionally, Paul has a solid understanding of the SCASD curriculum and is excited to work with teachers and administration to continue to grow in his practice. His positivity and desire to help all people grow will also allow him to support the entire SCE community.”
