Lower Merion School District: Supt. Mumin Announces Interim LMHS Principal

Press release from Lower Merion School District:

2021-11-29

Dear LMSD Families,

I'm writing to share with you that the Lower Merion Board of School Directors will appoint Dr. Jim Scanlon as interim principal of Lower Merion High School. Dr. Scanlon will serve in that role through the remainder of this school year, while a search for a permanent successor to the late Sean Hughes is conducted.

In reflecting on the opportunity to lead Lower Merion High School for the coming months, Dr. Scanlon said, "My thoughts and prayers are with the family members of Sean Hughes, as well as the Lower Merion School District Community. I am looking forward to getting to know the students, staff and parents of Lower Merion High School during this very emotional time of transition. It's an honor to serve as interim principal."

Dr. Scanlon recently retired from the West Chester School District, where he served for 12 years as superintendent of schools. Prior to that, he was the superintendent of the Brandywine School District in Delaware and prior to that, superintendent of the Quakertown School District. He also served as an assistant superintendent in the Neshaminy School District. He started his career as a teacher and served as an elementary school principal in both Central Bucks and Neshaminy.

Dr. Scanlon received his bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Pittsburgh, and both his master's degree and his doctorate in Education from Temple University. His doctoral dissertation, "Dimensions of Learning Staff Development Model and its Impact on teacher attitudes and student achievement," was recognized with distinction as Outstanding University Research, 1997.

Dr. Scanlon prides himself on offering outstanding communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills and on his ability to make critical connections with parents and guardians, students and the wider community. He believes in creating a student-centered culture that emboldens staff to motivate students to achieve. He also places emphasis on arts education, increasing inclusion for special education students, addressing the mental health needs of students and developing alternative education programs.

Dr. Scanlon lives in West Chester with his wife, Beth Trapani, their 11- and 13-year-old sons and two dogs. He loves to golf and play basketball.

I am confident that Dr. Scanlon's caring, knowledge and experience will help our Lower Merion High School community move forward after the devastating loss of Mr. Hughes and that he will offer much-needed support to the students, staff and families.

Sincerely,Khalid N. Mumin, Ed.D.Superintendent of Schools

This press release was produced by Lower Merion School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.