Amanda McGinnis has joined Summit Academy Community School – Warren as its new principal.
Before joining the K-7 elementary school, McGinnis worked for Youngstown City Schools for the past 10 years. Most recently, she served as the middle school literacy lab and high school English Language Arts and social studies content specialist for three years. Her previous roles with the district include those of director of grants and federal programs, special project coordinator, deputy chief of transformation and literacy coach. Prior, McGinnis was a reading teacher and curriculum instructor for Youngstown Academy of Excellence for four years.
Referred to Summit Academy by an Ohio Department of Education and Workforce School Support Team (SST) representative, McGinnis says she felt an immediate connection when she learned about the school.
“I love it here already. The staff is amazing and the feel of the building is wonderful,” she says. “You know when you get a good vibe when you walk in a building? I already know I’m going to love the children and families.”
McGinnis says she wants her entire school community to feel welcome, valued, safe and part of a team and family. “I want ours to be an open-door philosophy where everyone is welcome and feel they have a voice and common goal in providing what’s best for our kids,” she says.
McGinnis also looks forward to working closely with Summit Academy – Warren and Middle School to provide a smooth and successful transition for students advancing from seventh to eighth grade.
A two-time graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, McGinnis earned both her Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education and Master of Education in Literacy and Reading Specialist from the university located in her hometown, Indiana, Pa. “I love to say I’m originally from two states,” she jokes. McGinnis also earned her Administrative Specialist in Curriculum Instruction and Professional Development from Muskingum University in 2021.
The longtime educator says she has always had a soft spot for helping children. A single mother of two teen boys, one of whom is on the spectrum, McGinnis brings perspective and compassion as both a teacher and parent to her new post leading the school. In addition to her children, McGinnis’ family also includes her longtime partner, Jarrod, and pit bull-lab, Hank.
Classes at the 2106 Arbor Ave. SE., Warren school begin August 20.