Trussalo, a longtime district teacher, will begin her appointment on July 1.

“We are so excited to have Ms. Trussalo serve as Assistant Principal at Fletcher Elementary,” said Tina Sandstrom, chief director of schools. “Her experiences as a teacher and student and staff support TOSA, along with her strong leadership skills and commitment to children make her a perfect fit for this position.”

“Ms. Trussalo will be a tremendous asset to Fletcher Elementary’s students, families and staff,” said Fletcher principal Amanda Sischo. “Her experience and knowledge will assist Fletcher to excel in all areas.”

A 2008 graduate of Jamestown High School and city resident, Trussalo has worked in various roles at C.C. Ring Elementary School since 2015. She spent seven years as a special education teacher and has spent the 2022-23 school year as Ring’s teacher on special assignment, supporting students and staff.

Michelle Trussalo

Trussalo earned degrees in education from the State University of New York College at Cortland and also received school building and school district leader certifications from the Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester.

In her current role, she has served as an instruction leader in the planning, coordination, and administration of school activities and programs. She also has served on the building’s PBIS, shared decision making, family and community engagement, safety, and child study committees. District-wide, she has also served on the ELA and professional development steering committees.

“It is a true privilege to have the opportunity to continue my professional career in this capacity,” Trussalo said. “I grew up in Jamestown Public Schools and am proud to be able to contribute to the students, staff, families, and community. I am honored and excited to join the M.J. Fletcher family and look forward to the upcoming school year.”

JPS RECOGNIZES TENURE RECIPIENTS

Jamestown Public Schools recognized staff members and administrators who were awarded tenure during Tuesday’s school board member.

“The milestone of achieving tenure means that a person has gone through a rigorous hiring process, followed by years of supervision and scrutiny to determine if they are the best that we can offer to the children of Jamestown,” said Dr. Kevin Whitaker, JPS superintendent. “I am happy to announce that the assembled group has made it through this process, and I have confidence that they will continue their work as they strive toward continued excellence for the benefit of the children of Jamestown.”

Individuals who were awarded tenure are: Annie Berg, Chad Bongiovanni, Desiree DeMarte, Sydney Deppas, Iris Gonzalez, Gary Gustafson, Cristin Hockenberry, Marie Karbacka, Maureen Kessler, Arielle Lewis, Christina Lewis, Deanna Luce, Carrie Lyon, Lauren Petro Meger, Emily Naetzker, Grace Panebianco, Bethany Peterson, Alexandra Pezzulo, Jacqueline Philp, David Riling, Chris Roberts, Brianna Rodriguez, Brandy Smouse, Tammi Sullivan and Brittany Youngberg.