McNamara Elementary School Principal Named

Baldwinsville Central School District is pleased to announce that Melinda Howard was appointed by the Board of Education as the new principal of McNamara Elementary School. Her official start date is July 3, 2023.

This appointment is a homecoming for Howard who worked for the district for 10 years. She served as an Administrative Intern at Van Buren Elementary and Ray Middle School from July 2021 to June 2022 and as a Special Education Teacher at Palmer Elementary school from 2012 to 2021. 

Mrs. Howard is currently an assistant principal at West Genesee Middle School. She’s been in the position since July 1, 2022. 

Howard has experience in the areas of Social Emotional Learning, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Special Education. She is highly regarded for her commitment of  collaborating with families to support students. At West Genesee, she worked closely with families and staff to make important decisions and to implement much-needed improvements.

“Melinda brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with her to this position and Baldwinsville is lucky to have her back,” said Acting Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Davis.  

Prior to becoming an administrator, Howard co-taught in kindergarten-fifth grade classrooms at Palmer for 9 years.

In addition to certification as School District Leader (SDL) and School Building Leader (SBL), Howard earned her Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from Syracuse University and her Masters of Science in Education, Reading and Leadership from SUNY Geneseo. She has a Bachelor of Science in Childhood and Special Education, Minor in Anthropology and Concentration in Linguistics from SUNY Geneseo.

“Mindy is a leader inside and outside the classroom,” said Deputy Superintendent Dr. Joseph DeBarbieri. 

Howard was part of the inaugural cohort of the Leadership Fellows Program at Syracuse University. The program is a partnership between the District and the University. The goal of the partnership is to help provide opportunities for teachers who are interested in leadership roles. 

“We are very excited to be welcoming Mindy back to Baldwinsville,” DeBarbieri said. “I have full confidence in her leadership capabilities and her ability to build strong relationships with McNamara families, students and staff.” 

During her free time, Howard loves to travel, learn about other cultures and eat delicious food. Howard and her husband have two dogs and love to take them on hikes and to go camping in the summer.

Please join us in welcoming her back to our hive.