Seven Ritenour Educators Start 2025-2026 School Year in New Leadership Positions
The 2025-2026 school year kicked off on July 1 with several Ritenour administrators and staff starting in new leadership positions.
Dr. Melissa Crowley is the new principal of Marvin Elementary after serving two years as assistant principal at Marion Elementary. Her 19 years in Ritenour also include teaching at Iveland, Marvin and Kratz elementary schools. She replaces Dr. Craig Thurman, who moved out of state for another educational leadership opportunity.
Jennifer Nilges transitions to Marvin Elementary after seven years as assistant principal at Hoech Middle School. A Ritenour graduate and veteran educator with 27 years of service in the district, Nilges’ experience also includes being a teacher and assistant principal at Ritenour High School. She replaces Donna Butler, who retired at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.
Rebecca Williams is the assistant principal at Iveland Elementary School. She served as the interim assistant principal at Iveland during the 2024-2025 school year and has more than 13 years of teaching and administrative experience in Ritenour and other schools districts.
Dr. Matt Macko is the new assistant principal at Marion Elementary. During his previous 12 years in Ritenour, he has served as an elementary and middle school teacher, instructional coach and facilitator for curriculum and effective teaching practices at the secondary level. He replaces Dr. Melissa Crowley.
Brian Chance is the new SSD special education coordinator for Kratz, Marvin and Wyland elementary schools. During his role as a special education teacher for the Rebound Program at Ritenour High School, Chance was named Ritenour’s Make A Difference Award recipient in 2024 for going above and beyond in meeting the needs of students. Prior to his position at RHS, he served students at Marvin Elementary.
Wendy Jackson is Ritenour’s human resources manager. In her 27th year with Ritenour, she has served as an office professional and human resources assistant before becoming an interim human resources manager in December 2024.
Caroline Logue is the interim coordinator for the new Ritenour School for Educational Excellence, which opens this school year with the Julie Hahn Center for International & Gifted Learners and the Janine Milam Haynes Early Childhood Annex. Last year, she was the lead teacher at the International Welcome Center. She began her career in Ritenour 10 years ago, serving as a substitute and teacher.
