Dr. Amy Jenkins
EAST MARLBOROUGH – A familiar face is returning to Unionville High School this fall, as the school’s new principal: Dr. Amy Jenkins.
The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District announced Monday the appointment of Jenkins as the school’s new principal, replacing James Conley, who was hired earlier this year as Assistant Superintendent in the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District. Jenkins hiring was approved at Monday night’s Board of Education word session meeting.
Jenkins returns to Unionville after spending one year as principal at Bala Cynwyd Middle School in the Lower Merion School District. Prior to this position, Jenkins was an assistant principal at Unionville High School for seven years.
“Dr. Jenkins gained valuable building leadership experience over the last year that enhanced her skills and gave her the confidence to apply for the high school principal position – and we are certainly glad she did,” said Dr. John Sanville, UCF Superintendent, in a statement on the district’s Web site. “Dr. Jenkins is a strong educational leader who connects with students and staff and who will continue to build on the excellent academic and social-emotional programs and the inclusive and positive culture at UHS. We are thrilled that she wanted to return home.”
Jenkins brings 25 years of experience in education, and district officils described her as “an experienced leader who is passionate about providing high-quality academic and social-emotional learning opportunities. She is a dedicated administrator who focuses on making school an inclusive and positive place for all students. As a teacher, instructional coach, dean of students, assistant principal and building principal, Jenkins has demonstrated success in classroom management, student engagement, instructional technology, special education, staff collaboration and building leadership.”
Jenkins’ hiring was the result of an intensive and thorough interview process. UCFSD leaders met with Unionville parents, teachers, students and staff as part of focus groups to identify the desired qualities of a new school leader. Each candidate interviewed with faculty, administrators, students, Board Directors and community members. The comprehensive process helped identify who would be the best fit as the next Unionville principal. In the end, Jenkins was the clear choice.
Her official start date will be on or before August 15, 2022. Jenkins lives in Glen Mills with her husband and two children. Jenkins is following in the footsteps of her father, Stan Piecara. Piecara’s entire career was spent in Marple Newtown School District. He spent 10 years as the Principal of Marple Newtown High School before retiring as the Secondary Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
“I am so excited and humbled to be the next Principal of Unionville High School, one of the best high schools in the country,” stated Jenkins in a district release. “I am committed to continuing with the excellence in not only academics but the social and emotional learning of our students. I am thrilled to be back “home” and ready to hit the ground running. Thank you to the UCFSD School board, Dr. Sanville and Mr. Hoffman for this tremendous opportunity. Go Longhorns!”
