Trending
MIFFLINTOWN -- East Juniata High School has seen principals come and go in quick succession, a churn that has left the district eager for stability. On Thursday night, the Juniata County School District Board of Directors made its latest attempt to steady the ship, unanimously hiring Amy R. Sherman as the school's new principal.
Sherman, who transferred from her role as assistant principal at Juniata Elementary School in Mifflintown and stepped into the position on Aug. 3, at a salary of $112,000, becomes the newest leader to take on a job that has struggled to keep long-term occupants.
The board approved her hiring at its regular monthly meeting at the administration building in Mifflintown, expressing hope that Sherman's familiarity with the district and her experience working with students across grade levels will help break the cycle of turnover at East Juniata.
"We are thrilled to welcome Amy Sherman as the new principal at East Juniata High School," Juniata County School District Superintendent of Schools Christie Holderman said. "Having served as a dedicated assistant principal at JES for seven years, Amy brings extensive experience, stability, and strong leadership to the school.
"Prior to assistant principal she was a teacher at East Juniata Elementary, Monroe Elementary and Susquehanna Elementary schools," Holderman added. "We are excited for the positive impact she will continue to make for our students, staff and community in this new role."
Since Michael J. Maclay, a long-time principal and director of education at East Juniata, retired from his position effective July 1, 2024, there have been a revolving door of principals.
Until a full-time principal was first hired, Holderman and Assistant Superintendent of Schools Ben Fausey served as interim principals.
Daniel "Bo" L. Koishal was appointed in September 2024 to replace Maclay, but he stepped down effective Dec.19, 2025.
On Jan. 15, Matthew D. Czaplicki was approved as Koishal's replacement. Czaplicki resigned over the summer; his resignation, which was effective June 21, was also approved at Thursday's meeting.
To fill Sherman's position, Amanda M. Shelley will transfer from the position of Juniata Elementary School dean of students at an annual salary of $80,000, effective Aug. 11.
The board also approved the resignations of:
-Tarra J. Zangrilli, paraprofessional at Juniata Elementary and Juniata High schools, effective July 6;
-Molly A. Noel, music teacher at Juniata Elementary School, effective July 16;
-Misty A. Scott, paraprofessional at East Juniata Elementary School, effective July 20;
-Bobbi J. Reichenbach, paraprofessional at East Juniata Elementary School, effective Aug. 4;
-Molly Heckendorn Picketts, special education teacher at Juniata Elementary School, effective Aug. 19.
Transfers
The board approved the transfers of:
-Rebecca S. Ehrenzeller from a Tuscarora Junior High School Level 1 paraprofessional to a Juniata High School Level 2 paraprofessional, to replace Denise Primak who is assuming a teaching position;
-Samantha L. Hile from a Tuscarora Junior High School Level 1 paraprofessional to a Juniata Elementary and Tuscarora Junior High schools Level 2 paraprofessional, to replace Tarra Zangrilli;
-Paulina Armstrong from Juniata Elementary School Level 1 paraprofessional to a Juniata Elementary School Level 2 paraprofessional, to replace Tiffany Peck who resigned;
-Tasha L. Geibel from a Juniata Elementary School librarian to Juniata Elementary School dean of students, to replace Amanda Shelley.
Additionally, for information purposes:
-Susan M. Paden transferred from an East Juniata Elementary School fourth grade teaching position to a Juniata Elementary School fifth grade teaching position, to replace Tyler Clark, effective Aug. 20;
-Joelle C. Stahr transferred from a Tuscarora Junior High School guidance counselor position to the position of East Juniata High School guidance counselor, effective July 1;
-Elizabeth S. Book transferred from an East Juniata High School math teaching position to assume the Juniata Elementary School library/media position, effective Aug. 20, to replace Tasha Geibel.
Hirings
The board hired the following, contingent upon the receipt of required clearances:
-Mamie E. Magill, English teacher at Juniata High School, effective Aug. 18, due to the transfer of Dawn Croissette;
-Zachary D. Hostler, industrial arts teacher at Tuscarora Junior and Juniata High schools, effective Aug. 18, due to the retirement of Roger Swyers;
-Erin P. Larzelere, school social worker, effective Aug. 18, in a new position;
-Chelsea D. Fink, music teacher at Juniata Elementary School, effective Aug. 18, 2028, due to the resignation of Molly Noel.
The board also hired:
-Taylor N. Beaston, Level 1 paraprofessional at Tuscarora Junior High School, at a salary of $16.54 per hour and effective Aug. 20. Replaced Samantha Hile who transferred;
-Amanda L. Gauker, Level 2 paraprofessional at Tuscarora Junior High School, at a salary of $19.70 per hour effective Aug. 10. Received a new position;
-Ann M. Uhler, Level 2 paraprofessional at East Juniata High School, at a salary of $19.70 per hour effective Aug. 10. Replaced Tammy Ehrenzeller who retired.
-Krystal N. Cuff, LPN and secretary at Juniata Elementary School, at a salary of $23.38 per hour and effective Aug. 10. Replaced Joy Abram who transferred.
-Clarissa M. Hammar, Level 1 paraprofessional at Juniata Elementary School, at a salary of $16.54 per hour and effective Aug. 20. Replaced Vivian Brubaker who retired.
-Elliatt B. Brown, Level 1 paraprofessional at Juniata Elementary School, at a salary of $16.54 per hour and effective Aug. 20. Replaced Paulina Armstrong who transferred.
-Kaylah P. Long, Level 1 paraprofessional at East Juniata High School, at a salary of $16.54 per hour and effective Aug. 20. Replaced Pamela Rice who retired;
-Joslyn J. Abram, Level 2 paraprofessional at East Juniata High School, at a salary of $19.70 per hour and effective Aug. 10. Replaced Cheri Peck who transferred;
-Kathryn R. Peachey, Level 1 paraprofessional at East Juniata Elementary School, at a salary of $16.54 per hour and effective Aug. 20. Replaced Misty School who resigned.
-Cynthia S. Brosius-Taylor, Level 1 paraprofessional at East Juniata Elementary School, at a salary of $16.54 per hour and effective Aug. 20. Replaced Bobbi Reichenbach who resigned.
Tenure earned
Joshua Hill, Nichole L. Kerlin, Ben P. Lauver, George P. Morgan, Louise G. Morgan and Victoria J. Watts were approved for and issued permanent professional employee contracts after three years as temporary professional employees.
Substitutes
The board approved Nicholas P. Messick as a long-term substitute autistic support classroom teacher at Juniata Elementary School for the 2026-27 school year, effective Aug. 20, 2026, replacing Molly Heckendorn Picketts.
Mentors
The board approved the following mentors:
-Wendy Ehrenzeller for Denise Primak;
-Renee Elsasser for Madison Wolfe;
-Marcus Brothers for Cheri Peck;
-Megan Keller for Ashley Brubaker;
-Jessica Imes for Madelyn Repsher;
-Kelly Beward for Elizabeth Beward and Nicholas Messick;
-Tasha Geibel for Chelsea Fink;
-Heather Hart for Amanda Yoder;
-Melissa Shepps for Erin Larzelere.
•••
Further information regarding the school board will appear in a future edition of The Sentinel.