A 1999 Western High School graduate is returning to her alma mater as its new principal. Melanie Santiago Weaver has been named principal at Western with an official start date of October 7th.
“I am excited and honored to be chosen as principal at Western High School,” Weaver said. “As a Western High School alumna and former Western Social Studies teacher, I am even more passionate about this leadership position, which will give me the opportunity to return to where my love for education began as a student and teacher with the goal to give back to my community. It feels great to be back HOME to serve the same community that has served me.”
Weaver taught at Western from 2005-2014 before moving on to Jeffersontown High School as a teacher and Doss High School as a resource teacher and Dean of Students. She’s been in her current post as assistant principal at Ramsey Middle School since 2019.
“Both as a dean at Doss High School and as an assistant principal at Ramsey Middle School, Mrs. Weaver has led school transformation with equity at the core,” said Dr. Joseph Ellison, assistant superintendent of high schools. “She seeks to engage all stakeholders in conversation about how to improve the student experience and will work to ensure appropriate supports are in place to meet the needs of every student. We believe that Mrs. Weaver will support teachers and staff in creating environments where students can excel socially, culturally, and academically.”
In addition to her 19 years experience in teaching and administration, Weaver has earned several education credentials. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky, a Masters of Education at the University of Louisville and her Rank 1 and Principal Certifications from Western Kentucky University. Now she’s ready to lead Jefferson County Public Schools’ newest magnet school.
“I see great potential at Western and believe it will be the top magnet program in JCPS,” Weaver said. “I am proud to lead and serve a school community that offers various STEM programs to empower students by allowing them to explore their passions and interests through hands-on learning, real world application, and top of the line technology. I have a strong commitment to and high expectations for student achievement, maintaining a positive school culture, and putting equity first as I will proudly serve our Western community.”