NELSD Welcome Two New Assistant Principals to Kenton Ridge Campus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2025
(937) 325-7615

NELSD WELCOMES TWO NEW ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS TO KENTON RIDGE CAMPUS

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio, June 27, 2025—The Northeastern Local School District (NELSD) is proud to announce the appointment of two new assistant principals for the 2025-2026 school year. Mrs. Alicia Anstine will serve as assistant principal at Kenton Ridge Elementary School (KRES), while Mrs. Alyssa Woolever will join Kenton Ridge Middle School (KRMS) in the same capacity. Both appointments were approved by the NELSD Board of Education at the June Regular Board Meeting held on Thursday, June 26, 2025. 

Anstine, a NELSD alum, brings nearly two decades of experience in early childhood education. Most recently, she served as a kindergarten teacher at Shawnee Elementary School and previously spent many years at Rockaway Elementary School, where she held leadership roles as team lead and a member of the Building Leadership Team. She also served as a Kindergarten Teacher at Rockbrook Elementary School in Lewisville, Texas and Rocky Hill Elementary in Knoxville, Tenn. Anstine is a Kenton Ridge graduate and has deep ties to the Kenton Ridge community. 

Anstine holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Miami University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership with Principal Licensure from Concordia University Chicago. She lives in Springfield with her husband, Andy, who is also a KRHS alum, and their two children, Graham and Avalyn, who attend Kenton Ridge.

“Alicia is a passionate educator with deep roots in the Kenton Ridge community,” said Kenton Ridge Elementary School Principal Rob Shaffer. “She brings a collaborative leadership style and a strong commitment to both academic success and a positive school culture.”

Woolever brings a diverse background in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) instruction and youth program leadership. STEAM education is an instructional approach that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics to encourage student inquiry, support meaningful dialogue, and build critical thinking skills. She most recently served as a STEAM teacher at Graham Local Schools, where she integrated hands-on, inquiry-based learning in middle school classrooms. In addition to her teaching role, she has held administrative positions with the Champaign Family YMCA, managing before- and after-school care as well as summer camp programming.

Woolever holds a Bachelor of Science in Middle Childhood Education from Urbana University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Principal Licensure from Franklin University. She lives in Urbana with her husband, Colt.

“Alyssa is a forward-thinking educator whose STEAM expertise and student-centered approach will strengthen our middle school leadership team,” said Kenton Ridge Middle School Principal Rob Linkhart. “She is passionate about developing programs that prepare students for lifelong success.”

Both leaders expressed enthusiasm about joining the Kenton Ridge Campus Team. 

“It is an absolute honor and privilege to return to Kenton Ridge as your new elementary assistant principal and to be a Cougar once again! I am thrilled for the opportunity to utilize my experiences in the classroom and as a teacher leader in my new role as an administrator in enhancing the educational excellence of the district,” said Alicia Anstine, incoming assistant principal for Kenton Ridge Elementary School. “My heart lies in NELSD, and I look forward to being surrounded by many wonderful familiar faces of family and friends, as well as building new, strong, meaningful relationships with the dedicated staff, students, and families of the amazing community that I live in and love. I can't wait to see what the road ahead brings in helping shape the future success of our students!”

"I’m so excited to be part of the team and to have the opportunity to support our students, their families, and the entire school community,” said Alyssa Woolever, incoming assistant principal for Kenton Ridge Middle School. “I truly believe in the power of connection, and I’m looking forward to building strong relationships and making a positive impact!"

Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Anstine and Mrs. Woolever to NELSD. We are excited for them to join our leadership team at Kenton Ridge, where they are sure to help our Cougars continue to learn, lead and roar.

About NELSD:
Northeastern Local School District (NELSD) is a public school district located in the northeastern portion of Clark County, Ohio.  NELSD serves approximately 3,000 students in grades PK-12 at two facilities across the district, Kenton Ridge Campus (PK-12), and the Northeastern Campus (PK-12). For additional information, visit www.nelsd.org. 

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