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

Mr. White has been part of the New Albany Plain Local School District since 2012. He has held roles as an Intervention Specialist, Special Education Instructional Coach for grades 6-12 and Assistant Director of Special Education for grade 1-6. Mr. White's experience with differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all learners as well as supporting social-emotional and behavioral needs of all students will be a great addition to the team

Mr. White earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Capital University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Salem International University. Before joining the NAPLS team, Mr. White began his teaching career at Granville Exempted Village School district.

Mr. White and his family live in Licking Valley where both he and his wife, Seara, graduated and their four children, Brylyn(12), Crue(10), Laityn(8), and Trig(7) attend school and participate in many extracurricular activities.