Amy McKinney to Lead Pickerington Kindergarten Center Beginning 2026–2027 School Year

Pickerington Local Schools Adjusts Leadership Roles for New Kindergarten Center for 2026 - 2027

Pickerington Local Schools has selected Amy McKinney as principal of the District’s new Kindergarten Center, beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. Julie Wisenbarger, previously announced as assistant principal, will continue as part of the building’s leadership team.

Earlier this year, the District announced Erin T. Jones as principal of the Kindergarten Center.  Following the recent opening of the principalship at Heritage Elementary, Jones expressed interest in continuing her work within the Heritage school community, where she has built strong relationships with students, staff, and families. After continued leadership discussions, the District selected Jones to serve as principal of Heritage Elementary beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.

“As we continued conversations about leadership for both schools, it became clear we had two outstanding leaders whose strengths aligned naturally with these opportunities,” said Superintendent Dr. Charlie Smialek. “Ms. Jones has built strong relationships within the Heritage community and felt called to continue the important work happening there as principal. At the same time, Mrs. McKinney’s experience in early learning, instructional leadership, and building systems for student success made her an exceptional fit to help launch the Kindergarten Center. We are excited about both of these appointments and confident in the future of both schools.”

The new Kindergarten Center marks a significant step forward for the District, with the expansion of free, all-day kindergarten alongside a continued half-day option for families. Building on the success of the District’s two-year pilot program at Tussing Elementary, the new center will bring most of the kindergarten students together in one location while continuing the all-day program at Tussing.

“It is truly an honor to be selected as principal of the Kindergarten Center,” McKinney said. “Early childhood education has always been close to my heart, and much of my career has been dedicated to supporting young learners and helping schools create strong foundations for student success. To have the opportunity to help launch a brand-new school community from the very beginning is both exciting and deeply meaningful to me personally and professionally.”

McKinney currently serves as Pickerington Schools’ Coordinator of English Learner Services, where she leads the District’s comprehensive K–12 English Learner program supporting more than 1,000 multilingual students across 16 schools. In her current role, she oversees instructional programming, staff development, family engagement initiatives, federal compliance, and a team of educators and multilingual family liaisons.

She brings more than two decades of educational experience spanning classroom teaching, literacy coaching, instructional leadership, and district administration. Prior to joining Pickerington Schools, McKinney served in leadership roles with Marion City Schools and Dayton Public Schools and held numerous instructional positions in South-Western City Schools.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to shape a child’s very first school experience,” McKinney said. “Kindergarten is where students begin building confidence, curiosity, relationships, and a love for learning. A building designed entirely for our youngest learners allows us to intentionally create environments, routines, and experiences that support the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally.”

As part of the District’s long-term facilities planning, the Kindergarten Center will be housed in the current Diley Middle School building. Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Diley Middle School will relocate to the recently vacated Ridgeview Junior High School building, and be renamed Ridgeview Middle School.

District officials say the expanded kindergarten model reflects Pickerington Schools’ commitment to providing strong early learning opportunities for all students.

“Universal all-day kindergarten is an important investment in children, families, and the future of our community,” McKinney said. “It provides students with increased time for foundational learning, social development, language growth, and meaningful experiences that prepare them for long-term success.”

McKinney said one of her top priorities will be creating a welcoming culture for students, staff, and families from the very beginning.

“I hope families immediately feel welcomed, valued, and excited,” she said. “Starting kindergarten is a major milestone for both children and parents, and I want every family to know they belong here.”

Her first-year priorities will focus on building strong relationships, supporting high-quality instruction, establishing joyful school traditions, and creating systems that ensure students feel safe, known, and excited to learn every day.

“Strong school culture begins with relationships, trust, and shared purpose,” McKinney said. “I want students to feel cared for and known, staff to feel respected and supported, and families to feel like true partners in their child’s education.”

McKinney holds a Superintendent License through Concordia University, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Ohio Dominican University, a Master of Arts in Education from The Ohio State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Ohio Dominican University. She also serves as an adjunct professor in graduate education programs at Capital University and Ohio Dominican University.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, families, and staff of Pickerington Schools in this new role,” McKinney said. “Together, we will be growing little cubs, Paws Up!”