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 13 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

Tommy Snyder joined the New Albany Intermediate School as an Assistant Principal in the summer of 2020.

Mr. Snyder brings a wide range of experience to the Assistant Principal position through his work at Hilliard City Schools. He has most recently focused on leading the R Factor initiative with students and staff, building positive school culture, and served as a Response To Intervention (RTI) Coach to support students’ academic and social emotional wellbeing. As a classroom teacher, Mr. Snyder taught Social Studies and Language Arts in Grades 5, 6 and 7. He currently serves as a building level leader as the Student Support liaison at Hilliard Tharp Sixth Grade Building. 

Mr. Snyder received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Muskingum University and his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from High Point University. Mr. Snyder resides in the Grove City area with his wife, Grace, and his son, Nate. 

Mr. Snyder stated, “I am grateful for the opportunity to bring my positive energy, passion for growth and work-ethic to serve the students, staff and the community of New Albany. I am honored to join such a talented group of educators, and I look forward to supporting a culture that drives academic and developmental success.”