There have been some significant administrative changes this month at Newark Middle School.
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• John Ginter, who was principal of NMS since May 2022, became the new Director of MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) July 1st, a position that was newly created by the Board of Education in March.
Ginter will work under the direction of Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Donna Rizzo and will be responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and monitoring of a comprehensive system to address the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of all students through tiered interventions, utilizing data-driven decision making to ensure every student receives appropriate support and reaches their maximum potential.
This includes collaborating with building administrators, teachers, support staff and families for effective implementation of MTSS strategies across the district. Ultimately, Ginter will provide guidance across the district to ensure that research-based MTSS strategies, intervention and systems are in place to support student achievement.
“I am thrilled to begin this new role as Director of MTSS. Newark is a very special district and being able to continue to work with the phenomenal leaders, staff and students in this new role is exciting,” Ginter said.
Before becoming Principal of NMS in 2022, Ginter was principal of Lincoln School since September 2019. He served as Assistant Principal of NMS during the 2018-19 school year. The year before he was an administrative intern at NMS. Before that he was a school counselor at Newark High School for eight years.
He earned both his Bachelor’s Degree in psychology and Master’s Degree in school counseling at the University of Buffalo and his Administrative Degree at the University of Rochester.
Ginter lives in Fairport with wife, Christine, and their 8-year-old fraternal twins Lincoln and Evelyn and son Jackson, 6.
• Melanie Meyer, who had been Assistant Principal at NMS since January 2022, became Principal July 1st after the BOE approved her appointment June 18th.
“I am incredibly excited to step into the role of Principal at the Middle School!,” Meyer said. “It is an honor to lead a school community that is dedicated to supporting students and helping them find success. I look forward to continuing to work with our families, students, and staff to create a safe, inclusive and empowering environment where every learner can thrive.”
Before becoming AP at NMS, Meyer served as an administrative intern at the school during the fall of 2021. Prior to that, she taught special education at NMS for six years.
Prior to her coming to the Newark Central School District, Meyer was a special education teacher in the Comsewogue School District on Long Island.
Having earned her Bachelor’s Degree in elementary and special education at SUNY Geneseo and her Master’s Degree in literacy education from Dowling College, Meyer received her Administrative degree from the University of Rochester.
She lives in Walworth with her three children, William, 15, Madeline, 14, and Anna, 12.
• Ian Mutch, who had been Assistant Principal at Lincoln and Perkins Schools since January of 2024, became the new Assistant Principal at NMS effective July 10th, the day after his appointment was approved by the BOE.
"I am very excited for this opportunity and proud to be joining the team at Newark Middle School,” Mutch said. “ I am grateful to the district, administration, and staff of NMS for the chance to lead and offer support to the students and staff there. I am looking forward to a fantastic year of challenges, growth and
learning! I am also very appreciative of the all the staff at both Lincoln and Perkins Schools. Both schools are exceptional and very special places.”
Before coming to Newark in 2024, Mutch, since 2022, served part-time as the Elementary Assistant to the Principal at Wayne Elementary School in the Wayne Central School District, along with being a full-time music teacher in the district since 2018.
Prior to working at Wayne Elementary, he was the Director of Fine Arts from 2010-2017 at the Charter School for Applied Technologies in Buffalo. Before that, he taught music in Rochester City Schools for 2 years.
Mutch earned his Bachelor's degree in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia, his Master's Degree in Educational Technology from SUNY Buffalo and his Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from SUNY Brockport.
He lives in Penfield with his wife, Rachel, who teaches second grade in Brighton. The couple have two college-age daughters and a son who recently graduated from SUNY Purchase.
“I am excited that each of these individuals have the opportunity to grow within the Newark Central School District in roles that they sought out,” said Superintendent Susan Hasenauer. “Retention and retainment of our employees is a focus of our organization and is crucial for creating stable and effective learning environments for students. I am confident that as positions change, we have the right people steering our ship and I can’t wait to see the positive impact they make in their new position.”