City school district promotes Lincoln principal
Trending
The Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education has approved the appointment of Katie Russo to serve as executive director of information and student services, effective Aug. 12.
Russo, the current principal of Lincoln Elementary School, will succeed Jessie Joy, who is retiring after 33 years of service to the district, including the last 18 years in a cabinet-level position. Russo will oversee the district's pupil personnel services, including special education, counseling, health services, and family engagement efforts, while also overseeing the district's information technology services.
"Katie's educational reputation is impeccable. She has devoted her entire career to the students and families of Jamestown Public Schools, and brings a deep understanding of our district and community to this role," said Dr. Kevin Whitaker, district superintendent. "Throughout her time as principal of Lincoln Elementary School, she has distinguished herself as a thoughtful, collaborative and student-centered leader. Her experience, strong relationships and commitment to serving all of our children makes her an outstanding addition to our district leadership team."
Russo graduated from Jamestown High School in 1990, receiving her associate's from Jamestown Community College and her undergraduate, master's, and administrative degrees from the State University at Fredonia. She has spent her entire career as a teacher and administrator in Jamestown. From 1994 to 2013, she served as a teacher at C.C. Ring Elementary School. In January of 2013, she was appointed to serve as Principal of Lincoln Elementary School after serving as an administrative intern in the building.
"Having spent my entire career in Jamestown Public Schools, I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to serve the district in this new role," Russo said. "While it will be difficult to leave the Lincoln community, I look forward to supporting students, families and staff across the district. I am grateful to Jessie Joy for her many years of leadership and service, and I am committed to building upon that strong foundation while working collaboratively to meet the needs of every student."
Russo and her husband Matt reside in Jamestown and are the parents of two children: Ben, a 2017 JHS graduate, and Sarah, a 2019 JHS graduate. She has served as president of the Jamestown Principals Association, is a member of the School Administrators Association of New York State, a former board member of the Jamestown Community Learning Council and is a member of Holy Apostles Parish. She received JCC's Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2021.