New principal to lead McGregor Elementary School

Successful veteran principal takes the helm for the 2014-15 school year

A successful veteran educator with a track record of leading strong academic achievement has been appointed principal of McGregor Elementary School, Rochester Community Schools Superintendent Robert Shaner announced Wednesday.

Dave Pontzious will take over as principal of McGregor Elementary officially on August 1, Dr. Shaner said. Pontzious, principal of North Hill Elementary School since 2011, is an 18-year veteran educator.

Superintendent Shaner called Pontzious the kind of “visionary leader” that McGregor Elementary needs to make strong academic improvement.

“Since coming to Rochester, Mr. Pontzious has demonstrated outstanding leadership at the school and district levels. He has a relentless focus on serving students, families, and staff. I am confident Mr. Pontzious will bring years of outstanding and visionary leadership to the McGregor Elementary School community.”

Pontzious began his education career as a teacher in Royal Oak at Dondero High School, where he taught for eight years beginning in 1996.  He served as an assistant principal at two schools and in 2009 Pontzious was promoted again, to principal of Oakland Elementary School, which was a high-poverty, federal Title 1 program school.

“Mr. Pontzious has been a strong academic and community leader everywhere he has been assigned, and we know he’ll do a wonderful job working with the McGregor students, and teachers and staff, and the entire community,” Dr. Shaner said.

“I am honored to be asked to serve the McGregor community, and I will work hard every day alongside the great teachers and staff at McGregor to make sure our children get the kind of excellent education they deserve,” Pontzious said. “Success of any school is built upon meaningful and professional relationships with students, staff, and parents. Building and maintaining relationships is a top priority of mine. During my educational career I have worked diligently to develop and maintain open channels of communication, to be visible, and to be very approachable.”

In a letter to the community, Pontzious said he is “looking forward to joining the McGregor family and meeting each of you.” He said he will host “meet and greet” sessions with parents, students, and staff in August, and will be at the school starting July 21st.”

He succeeds Sharen Howard, who retired as principal of McGregor at the end of the last school year.