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Five Leaders Take On New Roles Across JPS

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Five leaders are stepping into new roles across Jamestown Public Schools as the district prepares for the 2026-27 school year.

The appointments include Katie Russo as executive director of information and student services; Michelle Buccola as principal of Lincoln Elementary School; Natalie Long as assistant principal of the Raymond J. Fashano Technical Academy; Nicole Marino as assistant principal and program administrator of the Innovation Center at R.R. Rogers School; and Allison Morganti as assistant principal of Jefferson Middle School.

Katie Russo

Russo joined the district's central office on Aug. 12, succeeding Jessie Joy, who retired after 33 years of service to JPS. Russo will oversee pupil personnel services--including special education, counseling, health services and family engagement--as well as 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 Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker. "Her experience, strong relationships and commitment to serving all of our children make her an outstanding addition to our district leadership team."

A 1990 Jamestown High School graduate, Russo spent 19 years as a teacher at C.C. Ring Elementary School before serving as Lincoln's principal from 2013 to 2026.

Michelle Buccola

Buccola succeeds Russo as principal of Lincoln Elementary School after serving as assistant principal of Persell Middle School since 2024.

"We were fortunate to have an exceptionally talented pool of candidates for this position, and Michelle distinguished herself throughout the process through her thoughtful approach, clear vision and unwavering focus on students," Whitaker said. "She has been a strong and respected leader at Persell, and we are confident she will bring that same care, consistency and commitment to the students, staff and families of Lincoln."

Before joining Persell, Buccola spent 12 years at Paul B.D. Temple Elementary School in Falconer as an academic intervention services teacher in reading and mathematics. She began her career with JPS as a behavior modification instructor and teacher for the adolescent health unit at the Jones Hill Mental Health Facility.

Natalie Long

Long joins JPS as assistant principal of the Fashano Technical Academy following a 20-year career spent primarily in the Austin, Texas, area.

Most recently, she served as an administrative specialist, trainer and leadership coach with the Region 13 Education Service Center. Her previous experience includes serving as an assistant principal, instructional coach, interventionist and bilingual elementary teacher.

"I am passionate about providing a high-quality education to all students by building strong relationships and leveraging proactive and efficient systems," Long said. "I look forward to joining the JPS community and contributing to continued success for all students."

Nicole Marino

Marino has been appointed assistant principal and program administrator of the Innovation Center after serving as assistant principal at Jefferson Middle School.

Established in 2023 as an extension of Jamestown High School's technology programs, the Innovation Center is being expanded into a comprehensive career exploration hub where students can explore high-demand careers and participate in hands-on learning, mentorships, job shadowing and apprenticeships.

"The Innovation Center represents an exciting investment in the future of our students and our community," Whitaker said. "Nicole brings the leadership, relationship-building skills and passion for student success that will help bring this vision to life."

Marino joined JPS in 2025 after previously serving as an administrator at Sherman Central School and holding teaching positions at Randolph Academy, Clymer Central School and Southwestern Central School.

Allison Morganti

Morganti succeeds Marino as assistant principal at Jefferson Middle School, returning to the school where she began her career in 2012.

Morganti spent six years at Jefferson as a special education and fifth-grade teacher before teaching fifth grade at Washington Middle School for six years. She joined Love Elementary School in 2025 as a teacher on special assignment and participated in the district's inaugural Emerging Leaders cohort during the 2025-26 school year.

"Mrs. Morganti has been a tremendous asset to our district, both as a classroom teacher and in a student support role," said Tina Sandstrom, assistant superintendent for instruction and school improvement. "We are excited to welcome her back to Jefferson and confident that her experience, leadership and commitment to students will make a meaningful impact on the Jaguar community."

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