Pine-Richland School District is pleased to announce the hiring of two administrators. Mrs. Paula Giran has been named principal of Hance Elementary School, and Mr. Jacob Cawley has been named assistant principal of Pine-Richland High School. The board approved the selection of both candidates at their April 17 combined meeting.
Mrs. Paula Giran
Mrs. Giran is well-known to many in the Pine-Richland School District, having served as assistant principal of Eden Hall Upper Elementary School since 2018 and as principal of Pine-Richland Virtual Academy from 2020-2022.
“I am honored and beyond excited for the opportunity to become part of the Hance team as principal,” shared Mrs. Giran. “Together, we will continue to embrace a positive school culture that allows all students to successfully start their educational journey and prepare them for their future endeavors.”
As assistant principal at Eden Hall, Mrs. Giran has held key positions on MTSS, SAP and RAMS Way teams.
“Mrs. Giran is a natural collaborator and an inspirational instructional leader,” said Dr. Kristen Justus, assistant superintendent of elementary education and curriculum. “Teachers proactively seek out Mrs. Giran’s support and partnership to create new, engaging lessons and to eliminate the feelings of risk associated with trying a new strategy. This approach builds cohesion and strengthens the relationships among the staff, who then share their best practices with others. Mrs. Giran creates the conditions for a learning organization to thrive.”
Prior to coming to Pine-Richland, Mrs. Giran taught fourth and fifth grades in the Norwin School District and worked as a fifth and sixth grade gifted education coordinator. She earned a bachelor of science degree in family and consumer sciences from Seton Hill University with certifications in early childhood and elementary education and business, computers and informational technology, a master of STEM education from California University of Pennsylvania and principal certification from Point Park University.
“I look forward to collaborating with all staff, students and families so we can build upon the excellence that is already happening at Hance Elementary,” said Mrs. Giran. “The last five years at Eden Hall have taught me the importance of teamwork, building relationships and continuous improvement. I am so happy to continue being part of a district I love while focusing on learning for every student every day.“
Mr. Jacob Cawley
Mr. Cawley, a Pine-Richland High School graduate, has spent the last nine years with Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, Florida. He is currently assistant principal at Judson B. Walker Middle School, and prior to that, was administrative dean at Windermere High School for four years. He also taught middle school civics and world history for four years at Apopka Memorial Middle School.
“Throughout the interview process, Mr. Cawley impressed our team with his student-centered and servant-leadership mindset, as well as his ability to work with staff to analyze student data and improve teaching and learning,” said Dr. Frank Hernandez, principal of Pine-Richland High School. “Through his education and experiences, Mr. Cawley has gained a strong understanding of how to develop positive relationships with students, families and staff in order to foster both inclusive school culture and academic excellence.”
Mr. Cawley earned a bachelor of arts in social studies education from Gannon University. He earned a master of education in educational leadership from Saint Leo University and principal certification from PennWest University.
“I am extremely excited to be in this position and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the community I grew up in and the school district that I graduated from,” said Mr. Cawley. “The ability to have an impact on the continued success of Pine-Richland School District and the students of Pine-Richland High School as an assistant principal is a role that I don’t take lightly.”
“We are excited to have Mr. Cawley as part of our team and look forward to him working with our students, staff and families,” added Dr. Hernandez.
Transition dates are still being finalized for both Mrs. Giran and Mr. Cawley. The district will begin a search for an assistant principal at Eden Hall Upper Elementary this week.
