Summit Selects Middle School Principal

SUMMIT, NJ - Dr. Donna Gallo has been tapped to take the reins of Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School (LCJSMS) during a meeting of the Summit Board of Education last Thursday. Gallo was appointed by the Superintendent June Chang and was approved by the school board with an annual salary of $144,000.

"Dr. Gallo is someone who has a keen understanding of the expectation of excellence," Chang said. "Throughout the process it was evident that she is someone who has experience with academic progress, operational management, and student success."

Gallo began her career in the Bridgewater Raritan Regional School District as a Special Education Teacher, with a content specialty in Algebra, teaching all levels of math. Following that, Gallo joined the Millburn Township Public School District as the special education supervisor for grades 6-12, and subsequently became the assistant principal in Millburn High School.

Gallo was a collaborative member of the Technology team who worked to advance Robotics and Computer Science programs. She was a part of the district-wide Chromebook initiative, organizing resources and planning for professional development. She also spearheaded the development of The Student Center to provide supports to students that included counseling, student workshops, stress relief activities, parent and community outreach, and education of mental health issues and local services.

Gallo has her Bachelor of Arts from Kean University, her Master of Science from the The University of Scranton, and her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Management from Drexel University.

"Dr. Gallo has a passion for education and is well respected by the teams she has worked with," Chang said. "She is a collaborative leader who looks to strengthen relationships and foster academic growth."

(Photo courtesy of the Summit School District)

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