Letter to Families & Staff Regarding Elementary Administrative Changes
Dear McDowell Families, Students, and Staff,
It is bittersweet for us to share that Chestnut Hill Principal Kristen Schaefer has accepted a new position as the Director of Elementary Schools at Erie City School District. Although we will miss her greatly, we congratulate and wish her well in her new position. Her departure has created an exciting opportunity for the Millcreek Township School District to welcome new leaders into our elementary buildings who we believe will continue building a love for learning and a positive educational experience for students, families, and staff.
To ensure a smooth start to the new school year for all of our students, there will be some changes in our elementary administration. Mrs. Tami Pulice will serve as the Interim Principal of Chestnut Hill Elementary School, alongside Mrs. Michelle Nageli who will be the new Assistant Principal. Mrs. Pulice has more than two decades of experience in education within MTSD, nearly three decades of educational experience in total, and has served as the Assistant Principal of Grandview Elementary School since 2022. Mrs. Nageli has been a part of the Chestnut Hill community since 2015, serving as the school’s trusted Guidance Counselor and as an Interim Assistant Principal in 2024. She has been with MTSD for 26 years and has nearly three decades of experience in education.
With Mrs. Pulice’s acceptance of the Interim Principal position at Chestnut Hill Elementary School, her previous position opened at Grandview Elementary School. Grandview will welcome Mr. Andrew Burdick as the Interim Assistant Principal. Mr. Burdick has been with MTSD since 2020, served as an Interim Assistant Principal at Asbury Elementary School earlier this year, and has two decades of educational experience.
Our Tracy Elementary School will be welcoming Ms. Amy Harris as the building’s new Assistant Principal this fall. Ms. Harris has been in administrative positions for nearly three decades, including at MTSD since 2022, and most recently served as the Assistant Principal of Chestnut Hill Elementary School. The Assistant Principal position at Tracy Elementary School recently opened when Ms. Kellee Beresik accepted an Assistant Principal position at McDowell High School.
We are confident these changes will provide a smooth transition into the new school year and will positively enhance the educational experience for our students and their families. Please join us in congratulating each of these outstanding staff members on their new positions. We are excited to welcome everyone back to school for another wonderful school year.
Respectfully,
Dr. John Cavanagh
Superintendent of Schools, Millcreek Township School District