Kevin Freeman brings extensive leadership and experience to the position of Principal at New Albany Middle School. Mr. Freeman joined the New Albany Plain Local School District in the summer of 2018.  Since his arrival in New Albany, Mr. Freeman served as assistant principal at the high school for three years and two years as the assistant principal at the middle school.  Prior to coming to New Albany, Mr. Freeman served as a middle school principal at Columbus City Schools for 15 years.  Serving at various middle schools in Columbus, he led school turnaround efforts, expanded STEM programming, and mentored many teachers and beginning school leaders.  

Mr. Freeman is a student-centered instructional leader who focuses on creating a school culture where all students achieve academically and are engaged in rich learning experiences and opportunities that allow them to cultivate their gifts and talents.  

Mr. Freeman attended The Ohio State University and earned a Master of Arts in Education Policy and Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Education.  He has also earned a Superintendent’s license. Mr. Freeman resides in New Albany with his wife Edwynna. He has three children - Kevin Jr, Makaela, and Kennedi.

Mrs. Mejia joined the New Albany Middle School in the summer of 2023 as the Assistant Principal.  

Mrs. Mejia brings an extensive background in educational administration and knowledge of best practices as she joins the New Albany-Plain Local School District. She currently serves as the principal of Howard Dobbs Elementary in Rockwall, Texas. She is finishing her 9th year in school administration and has led her school in becoming an A rated campus by the Texas Education Agency.  She has presented to several professional organizations, including “Integrating Technology in Bilingual Literacy Stations” to the National Association for Bilingual Education.  Mrs. Mejia began her career as an elementary school bilingual teacher winning awards for her excellence in teaching. Her leadership skills and professional experiences will be an extraordinary addition to the New Albany Middle School.   

Mrs. Mejia earned a Master of Arts in Education Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University-Commerce, and is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in education. Mrs. Mejia and her husband, Loscar, will be relocating their family to Ohio this summer. They have three children,  Isabel, a college freshman, Diego, a graduating senior in high school, and Arbor, a current high school sophomore. 

Mrs. Mejia stated, “I am excited to join the leadership team of New Albany Middle School.  I am honored to have the opportunity to serve at New Albany Middle School as Assistant Principal.  I am looking forward to continuing my journey in public education in New Albany and working daily to meet the academic and developmental needs of students.”

Mr. Ryan Grashel returns to the New Albany Middle School Learning Community as Dean of Students in summer of 2022 after serving as Dean of Students in New Albany High School in 2021. Mr. Grashel began his career in New Albany at the middle school in 2020.   

Mr. Grashel is beginning his 13th year in education and his second year as middle school dean of students.  Before arriving in New Albany, Ryan served as the Credit Recovery Coordinator for Groveport Madison High School in Groveport, Ohio.  Mr. Grashel also served as a classroom  teacher in algebra 1, world history and reading for the first 6 years of his career.

Mr. Grashel holds a Master of Education Degree from the University of Dayton and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science from The Ohio State University. He lives in New Albany with his wife, Brooke and two daughters, Emma (4) and Olivia (2) and Charlie (0). Mr. Grashel also serves as our head boys basketball coach at New Albany High School.