Veteran educator Kristin Burke will become the principal at the Lawrenceville Elementary School, replacing current Principal Melissa Lockett.
Burke was appointed to her new position by the Lawrence Township Public Schools Board of Education at its May 22 meeting. She begins her new duties July 1, and will be paid $140,000.
The new principal grew up in Lawrence Township and attended the Lawrence Township Public Schools – including the Lawrenceville Elementary School (LES). She has worked for the school district for 19 years, most recently as the K-6 Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) supervisor.
Burke attended LES as a child, and returned to the school on Craven Lane for her first teaching position. She taught second and third grades, before being promoted to the K-6 STEAM supervisor position.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to return to LES as the principal,” she said. “It has always held a special place in my heart.”
LES kindergarten teacher Jeff Berry praised Lockett, the outgoing principal, and also praised Burke during the public comment portion of the meeting.
Berry pointed to Burke’s historical ties to the school – as a student, a teacher and for the last few years as a supervisor.
“I know I speak for the staff that we are just so thrilled and I know she’s going to do great things at LES,”
Berry said.
Lawrence Middle School Principal Mindy Milavsky congratulated the school board for choosing Burke, whom she remembers as Kristin Shields – her maiden name.
“I am her proud teacher, I am her proud coach, I am her proud colleague but most importantly, her friend. I’m just thrilled for her and everyone should be thrilled,” Milavsky said.
“She is going to do an amazing job.”
Burke earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and psychology and a master’s degree in educational leadership from The College of New Jersey.
