Lorain Schools fills open principal positions with former administrators

LORAIN — The district announced Tuesday two longtime educators will resume their rolls as Lorain Schools' building administrators. Christine Miller will take over as principal at Frank Jacinto Elementary; Deborah Pustulka will lead Palm Elementary. Both bring more than 20 years experience and licensing back to their respective buildings, after being laid off under the former CEO. Miller, Pustulka, Sam Newsome, Maureen Millet, Jay Keefer and Leila Flores were administrators terminated at the end of June 2018. Four of the previous administrators, including Pustulka and Miller, were given teaching positions after they were "laid off" according to insurance documents obtained by The Chronicle-Telegram at the time. Prior to former CEO David Hardy Jr.'s restructuring, Miller was the principal of Longfellow Middle School. Pustulka was the principal of Palm Elementary. Both hold five-year professional principal's licenses, with Pustulka also having a superintendent's license. In a news release from the district, interim CEO Greg Ring noted he is glad to have successful building leaders like them at the elementary level. "I am confident they will have a positive influence on the learning environment and culture of their schools, making Palm and Frank Jacinto the best places they can be for our students," he said. Miller replaces Paula Baldwin, who was moved to dean of scholar and family engagement at Larkmoor Elementary. In the interim, Larkmoor Principal Chantelle Lewis had been covering the two buildings. Pustulka replaces Carol Winter, who resigned abruptly in November.