Mr. Michael Pawlik, of Huntington Mills, PA and Mrs. Sherry Cowburn, of Coudersport, PA. Mr. Pawlik will be assuming the responsibilities of the ELSD Superintendent, and Mrs. Cowburn will become the new Ashkar Principal for the 2011- 2012 school year.

HUGHESVILLE – On Tuesday, June 14th, at Hughesville High School, the East Lycoming School District wrapped up the end of the 2010-2011 school year by introducing new administrators, Mr. Michael Pawlik, Superintendent, and Mrs. Sherry Cowburn, Ashkar principal. Also recognized were the 2010-2011 school retirees by Acting Superintendent, Mr. Lawrence Potash and Acting Ashkar Principal, Ms. Anne Brovey. Honored retirees included Mrs. Beth Myers, Mr. John Capwell, Mrs. Susan Johnson, Mrs. Marcella Pritz, Mrs. Shoneez Frelin, Mrs. Carol McCarty, and Mrs. Kathy Shaner.

The event concluded with Mr. Michael Pawlik, and Mrs. Sherry Cowburn introducing themselves and speaking about their goals for the 2011-2012 school year.

This will be a new beginning of educational leadership for the East Lycoming School District. Two administrative positions have been filled. Both administrators come to the district with an extensive knowledge in education.

Mr. Pawlik began his career in education with the Dallas School District as middle school music teacher and band director. After spending sixteen years developing a program that consisted of four performing groups with over three hundred and fifty students, Mr. Pawlik was hired as an administrator with the Greater Nanticoke Area School District in 2003. While employed by Greater Nanticoke, he served as an elementary principal, middle school principal, and most recently as district principal. In this position his responsibilities included curriculum and instruction, staff development and supervision, federal programs coordination and grant writing.

He has served as a grant reviewer and for the Pennsylvania Department of Education and is also a member of the Educational Assistance Program Advisory Committee. Mr. Pawlik has also taught higher education courses as an adjunct professor for Wilkes University and an online facilitator in the Education Department of the University of Scranton. Mr. Pawlik received his Bachelor of Music Degree from Marywood University, a Home and School Visitor certification from Widener University, a Masters of Education degree from Wilkes University and his Principal Certification, Assistant Superintendent Certification, and Superintendent Certification from Temple University. Along with his wife of twenty-two years, Rebecca, Mr. Pawlik lives with his two daughters, Taylor, age 14 and Madison, age 8, on a farm in Huntington Mills.

Mrs. Cowburn served as Elementary Principal at the Coudersport School District for the past five years. She graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in 1995 with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. In May of 2001, she graduated from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania with a Master’s of Education in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling. She is a Nationally Certified school counselor for grades K 12. Mrs. Cowburn received her Principal Certification from Shippensburg University in 2003. She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree. She had the opportunity to visit staff and students at Ashkar Elementary during the last week of school.

The new administrators will begin their service with the East Lycoming School District on July 1, 2011.

The following school personnel announced their retirement:

John Capwell, biology, chemistry- 12 years; Shoneez Frelin, learning support- 12 years; Sue Johnson, kindergarten- 24 years; Carol McCarty, support aide- 14 years; Beth Myers, biology- 33 years; Marcella Pritz, learning suport- 27 years; and Kathy Shaner, support aide- 15 years.