July 23rd, 2024 by WCBC Radio
Allegany County Public Schools has announced assistant principal staffing updates for the 2024-2025 school year. These updates include the appointment of new assistant principals: Amanda Biser, Washington Middle; Kathryn Johnson, West Side Elementary; Neil Kamp, Westmar Middle; Shaun Lewis, AP Coordinator of Alternative Programs, RESTART Program at Eckhart; Windy Price, Beall Elementary; and Janel Shoemaker, Cash Valley Elementary.
Biser began her teaching career in 2008 at Washington Middle School. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical and Health Education from Davis and Elkins College, and her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Frostburg State University. “I am excited to be back to a familiar building that I call home,” says Biser. “I am honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with the faculty, students, and community members of Washington Middle School in this new position.”
Johnson began her teaching career 10 years ago in Cecil County, where she also coached “Destination Imagination” and soccer. She earned her bachelor’s degree in middle school education from Wilmington University and her master’s degree in Instructional Technology and Educational Leadership from Towson University. “I am excited to begin a new chapter in my educational career,” says Johnson. “I look forward to making a positive impact on, not just the educational institution, but also the community it houses.”
Kamp has served as both a Health and Physical Education Teacher and “Acting Assistant Principal” in St. Mary’s County over the last 11.5 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State University, in addition to a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Notre Dame of Maryland University. “I’m looking forward to moving my family back to where I grew up and serving the communities around me,” says Kamp. “I’m very excited to begin the next chapter of my life with Allegany County Public Schools. I am very thankful to be given the opportunity to serve the students, parents, staff, and all other stakeholders of Westmar Middle School. I will strive to support the overall school culture and academic growth. Go Wildcats!”
Lewis has been with ACPS for 18 years. He has held positions at Washington Middle School, Fort Hill High School, and CCTE. He received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Towson University, and his teaching certification and master’s degree in administration and supervision from Frostburg State University. “Educators don’t just teach. We have to be caregivers, psychologists, coaches, and occasionally referees – sometimes within a single class period,” says Lewis. “I have always tried to do all these things to build positive relationships with my students and to create a safe, positive learning environment. I look forward to creating the same positive learning environment on an administrative level.”
Price began her career with Allegany County in 2001, where she has been a teacher and most recently the Coordinator Teacher. She earned her Educational Leadership degree from Frostburg State University. “I am very pleased to have this opportunity to serve as the Assistant Principal at Beall Elementary School,” says Price. “As the 2024-2025 school year quickly approaches, I am looking forward to working with Ms. Ralston, Principal of Beall Elementary, to ensure students are motivated and challenged to meet their fullest potential and become life-long learners. I am excited about getting to know the students, staff, and families that make up the Beall community.”
Shoemaker started her career with ACPS in 2005. Over the years, she taught grades 1 through 4 and has most recently worked as a district literacy coach for many schools in the county. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision from Frostburg State University. “Cash Valley is known for its excellence and I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to become a part of the community,” says Shoemaker.
Other assistant principal staffing changes include James Clark, Ethan DeVore, John Wade, and Alyssa Werner, who most recently held administrative positions at other school locations. James Clark will be transitioning into the assistant principal position at South Penn Elementary School. “I am looking forward to working with the students, families, and staff at South Penn to promote student success.” Ethan DeVore has been named assistant principal at Fort Hill High School. “I am extremely excited to be returning to Fort Hill as assistant principal for the upcoming school year. I was fortunate to be a social studies teacher there for 10 years before beginning my administrative tenure at the RESTART Program at Eckhart. I look forward to rejoining the incredible culture of Fort Hill High School and working with the tremendous faculty, staff, and community.”
John Wade has been promoted to assistant principal 1 at Washington Middle School. “I am very grateful for this opportunity to take on new responsibilities at Washington Middle School. I look forward to further developing relationships with our students and their families as we continue to strive to make all students at Washington ready for high school and beyond, and help them be successful.”
Alyssa Werner will be transferring to the assistant principal position at Mountain Ridge High School. “There’s nothing finer than a Mountain Ridge Miner. I am excited and humbled to be chosen as the next assistant principal for Mountain Ridge High School. I am fortunate for the opportunity to join Miner Nation and look forward to working with the students, staff, parents, and community.”
