A Burrell School District special education teacher and lifelong community resident will be the new assistant principal at the district’s Bon Air Elementary School.
Deanna Lott begins Monday and joins Bon Air Principal Jim Croushore, said Superintendent Shannon Wagner. Lott succeeds Amy Lenart, who resigned to become an administrator outside of the district.
“I wanted to become assistant principal because this district and this school are both home to me,” Lott said. “I grew up in this community, and now I have the privilege of teaching and living here. This gives me a unique perspective on the values, strengths and traditions that make this district special.”
Lott has been teaching elementary special education for a decade and was a substitute before that. She was also a personalized learning coach for two-and-a-half years.
“As a teacher, I’ve built strong relationships with students, families and colleagues, and I’ve seen firsthand the incredible potential in our classrooms,” she said. “Stepping into the assistant principal role allows me to expand my impact beyond my classroom, empower teachers and help ensure every student receives the opportunities and support they deserve.”
Lott said her goal is to help create a safe, welcoming school environment where students feel known, supported and excited to learn.
“I look forward to working closely with teachers to strengthen instruction through collaboration and data-informed practices while supporting differentiation to meet the needs of all learners,” Lott said.
Relationships with families and maintaining open communication is also a priority for Lott.
“At the heart of my work is ensuring that academic, behavioral and social/emotional systems and supports are in place to help every child thrive,” she said.
Thirteen people applied for the position, Wagner said. Lott will be paid $90,000 annually.
“She’s ready for the role,” Wagner said. “It’s a good move for us to move her into leadership.”