Familiar face takes over principal role at Central Elementary

When students, faculty and staff return to school at Central Elementary in August, they will see a very familiar face as the leader of the school.

Joanna Muncie is moving from assistant principal to principal, replacing Todd Gowen. For Muncie, her newest role continues her tenure in a field she wanted to get into for as long as she can remember. 

"I think having great teachers growing up had a huge impact on my decision to go into education. I am the oldest of three and always enjoyed teaching or helping them learn and do new things. I started babysitting at an early age for my brother and sister. I love kids. I love watching them grow academically and social-emotionally. I love teaching them new things and watching the "light bulb" go off when they finally can do it independently. I love being a part of helping to instill the importance of being nice and kind to everyone always," Muncie told The Putnam County Post. 

Muncie admits her time as an assistant principal helped prepare her for a larger role. 

"I am so blessed that I was able to be the assistant principal first. It allowed me time to build relationships with our students, staff and parents. I was able to observe and see how things worked and to help problem solve ways to make them better if needed. I had a wonderful mentor to learn from in Todd Gowen as well as a great staff and families to work with," she said. 

As for being familiar with students, staff and families, Muncie said it will be a "huge benefit." 

"They know that I have high expectations. We started the EAGLES cheer last year, and I went into every classroom every month to talk about what each letter meant and what it looks like. E- empathy. A- accountability. G- give 100 percent. L - listening. E- ethical. S - success. We earned EAGLE cards for Eagle behavior," Muncie said. 

Muncie said her goals are simple -- to foster academic excellence and nurturing social emotional growth. 

"I promise to always make decisions based on what is best for kids. I believe that it it takes a village to raise a child and that working together is crucial to ensure that all students achieve their full potential. Last but not least, communication is key. My door is always open so please reach out if you have any questions. I am here for students, staff and parents," Muncie said.