Meagan Bellan Named West G Middle School Principal
Lindsey Elementary School Principal Meagan Bellan has been chosen to take the reins at West Geauga Middle School.
The West Geauga Schools Board of Education unanimously voted to appoint Bellan as principal of the middle school for the 2022-2025 school years at a salary of $116,790 during the Sept. 26 regular board meeting.
“It is a bittersweet time, as I have loved my Lindsey family so deeply. I am excited about a new challenge as I welcome the opportunity to continue to serve our district,” said Bellan. “I am thrilled to be reunited with my former student and families, many of which I knew as principal at Lindsey elementary.”
Bellan began her career as a school psychologist for Solon City Schools, where she served nine years and also served as a clinical supervisor in the Positive Education Program at the Prentiss Autism Center in Cleveland.
In 2018, Bellan was a school psychologist at West Geauga High School and Lindsey Elementary School before becoming the Lindsey principal for the past three years.
“I am surrounded by expert teachers who care deeply about kids. I will work tirelessly to ensure the success of every child,” said Bellan. “I believe deeply that all students have the right to achieve their personal best. It is my goal to help each student accomplish the goals they set.”
Bellan will be replacing Principal Ron Dahlhofer, who resigned from the position on Sept. 16 due to a conflict of interest with the school district.
During an Aug. 8 meeting, Bellan was appointed as the substitute principal on a temporary as-needed basis.
Superintendent Richard Markwardt said he is extremely confident in Bellan’s abilities to serve as the middle school principal.
“I appreciate her willingness to step into the role of substitute middle school principal when asked to do so. I know that she loved being the principal of Lindsey Elementary School, but currently, the district needs her skills at the middle school,” said Markwardt.
School board members also appointed Melissa Becerra as principal of Lindsey Elementary School for the 2022-2024 school years at an annual salary of $98,040.
“I am very excited to fill the role of principal for Lindsey elementary. I have been preparing for years to be a building principal and this has been a long-term aspiration for my career,” said Becerra. “I am looking forward to working with the students, families and teachers to ensure student achievement and the joy of learning for all.”
Becerra enters the role having over 20 years of academic experience in grades one through six, as well as holding numerous leadership positions.
“I am very confident in my ability to handle the role to the best of my abilities and potential,” said Becerra. “My goals and objectives are to see all students learning and having fun while learning in a safe environment.”
Markwardt said Becerra has a great track record as a teacher and has become acquainted with the students and staff from day one.
“She began this school year as the elementary assistant principal and the substitute principal of Lindsey Elementary School,” said Markwardt. “I appreciate how she has led the building during a time of uncertainty the last few months.”
Markwardt added he expects Becerra to do very well as the building’s permanent principal based on Lindsey elementary’s successful start to the current school year.
“I know that Mrs. Bellan will be missed. Hopefully, Mrs. Becerra’s energy and instructional expertise will help to fill the void,” said Markwardt. “I know of no one that I would rather see leading these two buildings right now. I think that both principals will do their best to meet the needs of the students, staff and families with whom they work.”
In other business, school board members approved:
- An agreement between C&J Contractors Inc. and West Geauga Schools for the demolition of the former Newbury Elementary School;
- An agreement between Terracon Consultants, Inc. and West Geauga Schools for demolition monitoring and project management of the former Newbury Elementary School;
- A resolution to participate and authorize the Ohio Schools Council to advertise and receive bids for the cooperative purchase of two 72 passenger conventional school bus chassis and bodies, and two transit vans.
