Wauwatosa, WI — On Monday, March 13, 2023, the Wauwatosa School District Board of Education approved Superintendent Dr. Demond Means’ recommendation to appoint Ms. Melissa Pallin as Principal of Wauwatosa Montessori School, and to affirm Ms. Sumeera Mansukhani’s appointment as Principal of Eisenhower Elementary School.
“We are so pleased that these two educational leaders have chosen to bring their talents to Wauwatosa,” stated Dr. Demond Means, Superintendent of the Wauwatosa School District. “The families, staff and students at Wauwatosa Montessori are firmly grounded in Montessori principles and philosophy, so the ability to leverage Ms. Pallin’s strong experience – as well as her passion and growth mindset – will greatly benefit this community. Ms. Mansukhani has excelled under the leadership of Mr. Mark Carter this year, and we are confident and excited about her ability to lead the Eisenhower community.”
Ms. Pallin brings more than 13 years of Montessori experience to the principalship, having served as a teacher, new teacher mentor, curriculum writer, training coordinator, and practicum supervisor. She is a creative educational leader who works tirelessly to boost student achievement and wellbeing, foster family and community engagement, and increase staff positivity and collaboration. Not only is Ms. Pallin passionate about Montessori principles, but she also excels in the areas of instructional leadership and restorative practices. Ms. Pallin, a Nationally Board Certified Teacher, has earned AMI Montessori Teacher Certification (ages 6-12) and has served on the Wisconsin Teacher Leader Network. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and her Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Carroll University.
“I am absolutely thrilled about becoming the Principal of Wauwatosa Montessori School and joining the Wauwatosa team,” stated Pallin. “It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve the staff, families, and students at Wauwatosa Montessori School. I am greatly looking forward to collaborating with staff, families, students, and the community to create exceptional Montessori learning experiences for all of our learners.”
Ms. Mansukhani is a passionate educator with more than six years of experience teaching and fostering an engaging environment to help students succeed in their learning pathways. She has served as a teacher at Valley View Elementary since 2016 and has held leadership positions including summer school substitute principal and supporting administrator. Ms. Mansukhani has also participated in leadership teams including those for PBIS, events and math goals. Ms. Mansukhani earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She also earned a Master’s in Education from Cardinal Stritch University and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service at Cardinal Stritch University.
Ms. Mansukhani was identified by families and staff members as the desired principal of Eisenhower Elementary School in August 2022. To support Ms. Mansukhani’s transition into the role of principal, District leaders felt it was important to provide a robust, supportive foundation before fully transitioning her into the role of principal. Therefore, Ms. Mansukhani has participated in a Principal Residency for the first semester of the 2022-23 school year. Ms. Mansukhani has shadowed Mr. Mark Carter, an experienced educator who has enjoyed a long and successful career in Wauwatosa before his official retirement in July 2020, and gained hands-on experience to thoroughly understand the detailed work of a school leader. Throughout the year, Ms. Mansukhani has been provided with increasing responsibility at the school in a gradual release model. In this way, Ms. Mansukhani has been provided a runway to enjoy a long, successful career as a leader in Wauwatosa and leverage the talents of an experienced school leader like Mr. Carter, rather than starting out in the potentially challenging and isolating role of lone principal in a new district.
About the Wauwatosa School District
Wauwatosa School District is a high achieving, forward-thinking, richly diverse public school district serving approximately 7,000 students and families. The District consists of 16 schools: 11 elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools and the Wauwatosa Virtual Academy. Among these are two choice schools: Wauwatosa Montessori and Wauwatosa STEM. A full STEM program is offered at Underwood Elementary and at both middle schools. Additionally, the District provides education for county programs including Children’s Hospital and Vel R. Phillips School. The educational community’s long history of excellence has been recognized both regionally and nationally.
For more information, visit the Wauwatosa School District website, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram pages.
