Stephanie Washam (Credit: Wissahickon School District.)
The Wissahickon School District will be searching for a new principal at Stony Creek Elementary School.
Stephanie Washam, who has served as the principal of the elementary school since September 2023, announced recently that she will step down from her position at the end of the school year.
She was recently named the principal at Lower Elementary School of the New Hope Solebury School District.
“Ms. Washam has been a tremendous leader for us, and will be forever remembered as a building principal who re-energized Stony Creek and gave both staff and families, not to mention our students, a reason to be proud of their school and to feel good about their school community,” said Wissahickon School District Superintendent James A. Crisfield.
According to Crisfield, Washam’s move to another school district aligns more with her work-life balance to be closer to her family.
“While we are happy for Stephanie in that she has found an opportunity that works much better for her family, and while we certainly wish her all the best in the next phase of her career, we are most definitely sad to see her go,” Crisfield said.
Wissahickon School District is now looking for Washam’s replacement. To find the right candidate for the job, WSD is conducting a questionnaire/survey for its candidates that ask questions like what are the top attributes as an elementary school and what are the biggest challenges Stony Creek is facing as a school community,
“We will welcome feedback, and of course any other input that can help us find the next leader of Stony Creek,” Crisfield said.
According to the school district, the successful candidate should be a person who communicates; loves being with children; values teamwork; is not afraid to make changes; can build a sense of community; establishes high expectations; values fun; knows all of the students in the building; and more.
The school district will be looking for someone who is calm and supportive during moments of confrontation; an advocate for students with diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences; visible at all times during the school day; and confident in the staff’s strengths and creativity.
Washam joined Stony Creek Elementary as the new principal in September 2023. Prior to joining Wissahickon, she served as a K-5 Principal in Pennridge School District where she implemented and trained staff on Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), a systematic framework to ensure successful academic, behavioral, and social-emotional outcomes for all students. Prior to Pennridge, Mrs. Washam served as elementary principal in Neshaminy School District, was a State Elementary Literacy Specialist for the New Jersey Department of Education and served in various elementary level teaching position for five years.
Mrs. Washam received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, her Master’s Degree from Drexel University, and is currently pursuing her doctorate at Northeastern University.
