Katie Nowak, Principal

Mrs. Katherine (Katie) Nowak joined the New Albany Learning Community in the summer of 2016 as building principal of the 2-8 Building for grades 2-5, now known as the New Albany Intermediate School housing grades 4 through 6. 

Mrs. Nowak brings 18 years of experience in education to our district, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Mrs. Nowak previously served as the Principal at Hayes Intermediate School in the South Western City School District.

Mrs. Nowak was recognized in 2016 as Ohio’s National Distinguished Principal for Middle Level Education by the Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators.

Mrs. Nowak actively collaborates and leads daily to increase student achievement, foster stimulating learning environments, and to motivate and inspire students and staff to perform to their full potential.

In addition to her teaching and principal licensures, Mrs. Nowak holds a Master of Arts in School Administration from The Ohio State University, a Master of Education in Curriculum & Teaching and a Bachelor of Science in Education, both from Bowling Green State University. She resides in Hilliard with her husband Brent, and her two sons, Mason and Matthew.

Megan Ballinger joined the New Albany Intermediate School as an Assistant Principal in the summer of 2018.

Mrs. Ballinger brings a range of leadership experience to the Assistant Principal position, having served in administrative roles at the middle and high school levels. She has focused on providing impactful educational opportunities to students under her influence as a teacher and administrator, having experience writing, implementing and monitoring curriculum rooted in inquiry-based learning. As a classroom teacher, Mrs. Ballinger taught English Language Arts and particularly loved sharing Shakespeare with her students. She previously served as the Assistant Principal of Yorktown Middle School in Columbus City Schools. 

Mrs. Ballinger received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and her Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration from The Ohio State University. Mrs. Ballinger resides in the New Albany area with her husband, Andrew, and their son, Henry.

“It is an honor and thrill to join the New Albany learning community. I look forward to working alongside New Albany faculty and staff to empower students to reach great educational heights while providing a safe, engaging and joyful environment each day.” - Megan Ballinger

Jaime Slane attended Bowling Green State University and received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Reading. She earned an additional Master's degree in Educational Administration at The Ohio State University.

She began her twenty year career with the New Albany-Plain Local School District teaching first grade and has earned the rigorous Master Teacher designation. Jaime has also served as a math and reading specialist for grades kindergarten through fifth. Her most recent role was serving as an instructional teacher leader working with preschool and kindergarten teachers at New Albany Early Learning Center.

She has extensive training with the Bridges in Mathematics curriculum through the Math Learning Center National Leadership Institute. She is a certified Bridges Facilitator and a website content provider for the organization. Jaime has presented at the National Association of Elementary Principals Conference and National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Conference on topics ranging from academic data collection to the instructional intervention process.

Jaime and her husband, Tyler, have two daughters. Leah is in first grade and Lauren is in fourth grade. She is excited for the opportunity to serve the students, staff, and families at New Albany Intermediate as an Assistant Principal.