Linton Middle School will be saying hello to a new principal in May.
Chris Wolfson, Penn Hills High School’s associate principal, will transition to the middle school prinicipal post after current Principal Sandy Barker retires in early May.
There is not an official transition date, Wolfson said. For now, he is splitting time between the schools.
“I’ve been over there to meet some of the kids and staff,” Wolfson said.
He has more than 20 years of experience in education, including over 15 years as a principal.
“I think that’s what made me an appealing candidate (for the position),” Wolfson said.
He came to Penn Hills in September from Mellon Middle School in the Mt. Lebanon School District.
Mellon was recognized three times as a Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn Schools to Watch while Wolfson was principal. It was first designated in 2019 and redesignated in early 2024.
Wolfson plans to take the same framework he used in his previous district to help build up Linton.
“My biggest goal moving into Linton is to create and sustain an environment where students feel safe and supported so we can focus on students’ academic and emotional development,” Wolfson said.
“Successful middle school careers lead to successful high school careers,” he said.
The first step of that plan is to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment in the school, Wolfson said. He plans to have students and families take part in a school culture survey to get an idea about their feelings about the school. Wolfson also plans to do classroom assessments.
Once the needs are identified a short-term and long-term plan will be put in place.
“With the skillset I bring, I really have the opportunity to apply that to a setting where we can make some siginificant benefits,” Wolfson said. “I’m excited about the opportunity. This is a fantastic community.”