Terry McElligott, Newberg School District’s Director of Teaching and Learning, will serve as the new Principal of Joan Austin Elementary School beginning July 1, 2012. She replaces Lesley Carsley who is retiring in June. Superintendent Paula Radich announced the appointment Monday, February 13th.

McElligott, or "Miss Mac" as students call her, is a veteran educator who has a passion for working with students and teachers. She served as Interim Principal of Joan Austin Elementary in 2009 when Lesley Carsley was appointed Interim Principal of Chehalem Valley Middle School.

McElligott has served as the district’s Director of Teaching and Learning since 2006. She taught middle and elementary school students for 26 years earning recognition as Oregon History Teacher of the Year and state and national recognition as the Law Educator of the Year in 2006.

McElligott received the district’s Crystal Apple Award for excellence as a middle school teacher in 2006 and shared the Crystal Apple Award for administrative excellence with Lesley in 2009.

The out-going and incoming principals will lead a transition team comprised of classified and licensed staff members, parents and fifth grade student leaders. The transition team will assist in planning for the completion of this school year and for the beginning of the 2012 school year.

Superintendent Radich will not fill the Director of Teaching and Learning position to permit the incoming superintendent flexibility in planning and organizing district functions. The new superintendent will make the appointment.