Summit To Appoint New Principal Thursday

SUMMIT, NJ — The Summit Board of Education is expected to approve the recommendation of Superintendent June Chang to appoint Pamela Southard as principal of The Summit Primary Centers at Jefferson and Wilson during their Thursday night meeting.

Southard will officially begin her role on July 1.

Southard has worked for the Flemington-Raritan Regional School District for 13 years. She has taught kindergarten and third grade, and most recently served as a K-4 Reading and Math Support Skills Teacher. In this role, she guided and supported multiple teachers throughout the school, helping them to implement effective instructional strategies.

She has collaborated with colleagues to write curriculum, to pilot new programs, and to create after-school opportunities such as a literacy club. Southard has advanced training in Responsive Classroom and Cooperative Learning, both of which impact student behavior and motivation positively.

Working as an administrative intern, Southard trained staff to administer early childhood assessments, as well as participated in many I&RS and Child Study Team meetings. She served on a district security team to develop detailed safety action plans.

Additionally, Southard coordinated professional development opportunities in a technology-based workshop series, with the goal of coaching teachers to become instructional leaders. One highlight of her career so far was being selected to attend the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy, which equips educators to prepare and inspire students to learn about math and science in innovative ways. She looks forward to bringing STEAM initiatives to The Summit Primary Centers.

“It was apparent to me and the members of the search committee that Ms. Southard is a dedicated, student-centered early childhood educator. She has spent her entire career in education focused on providing the best possible learning experiences for our youngest learners. Her numerous leadership experiences, her caring and thoughtful approach, and her desire to innovate makes her an excellent fit to be the next leader of The Summit Primary Centers,” said Chang.

Southard earned a BA in Economics and German, as well as a MA in Education from Rutgers University. She holds a second Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University.

(Image via Summit Schools: Pamela Southard)

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