New principals take over in Peters
The philosophy of the two new principals at Bower Hill Elementary and Pleasant Valley Elementary schools can be summed up simply – it’s all about the kids.
“I want to do what’s best for the kids,” said Gregory Marquis, 35, who took over as principal of Pleasant Valley just after Thanksgiving following his Nov. 17 appointment by the Peters Township Board of School Directors. The school has 380 students.
“Pleasant Valley is a tremendous school with a history of being high performing,” added Marquis, who was previously the assistant principal at McMurray Elementary. “I want to keep a positive culture and push for the school to be even higher performing.” Marquis took over for Michael Fisher, who is now in the district’s assistant to the superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment. Marquis’ annual salary is $89,000. He and his wife, Stacy, who teaches fifth grade in Moon, live in Moon with their two children, Emma, 5, and Ava, 19 months.
At that same Nov. 17 meeting, the school board tapped Robert Garvey, 39, to be the new principal of Bower Hill Elementary School, which has an enrollment of 720. Garvey, who is expected to take his new position in mid January, is currently principal of the Ben Franklin Elementary School in Bethel Park.
“It is a great opportunity,” said Garvey, who lives in Peters with his wife Sherri, and their two children, Emma, 5, and Ryan, 3. “The school district has a history of excellence. I live in the district because I wanted my kids to go to school here.” Garvey, who will be paid $92,000 a year, replaces Kelly Gustafson, who left the school district to become the coordinator of elementary education in the Greensburg Salem School District in Westmoreland County.
Both educators say it’s important to have teachable moments with their students. They say when children are in elementary school, it’s important for children to build relationships and understand the ramifications of their actions.
“I really like to get to know the kids,” said Garvey, who has an undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. “I am a very approachable person. I want the students, staff and parents to be able to approach me with anything.”
Marquis, who has an undergraduate degree from Westminster College and a graduate degree from Pitt, said it is important to have memorable learning experiences. “Especially at the primary level,” he said.
At a special board meeting Dec. 22, the Peters Township Board of Directors hired Michael Brookie as the new assistant principal at McMurray Elementary School.
Brookie, who will be paid $85,000 a year, replaces Gregory Marquis, now principal of Pleasant Valley Elementary School.
Brookie comes to Peters Township from the Bethel Park School District, where he was an administrator at Neil Armstrong Middle School for the last five years. He was previously an assistant principal at the Colfax Accelerated Learning Academy in the Pittsburgh Public School System. Brookie also spent several years as an elementary school teacher.
“I am excited to be part of the administrative team in Peters Township,” Brookie said. “Each new school brings challenges and opportunities and I hope to do great things for the students and staff at McMurray Elementary.”
Brookie has an undergraduate degree in elementary education from California University of Pennsylvania, as well as a graduate degree from its administrative program for principals. A start date has not been determined at this time.
Superintendent Jeannine French said she is pleased with the district’s new hires.
“This is an exciting time for Peters Township. I feel like we are building a team that is committed to long-term excellence for our district,” she said. “They are good people. We have common goals and a shared sense of urgency.”