In a special board meeting held July 30, 2024 the Munising Public Schools Board of Education voted to approve the selection of Shannon DeFrancesco as the new Principal of William G. Mather Elementary School and Director of State and Federal Programs for the district.

DeFrancesco’s experience and expertise made her a natural choice for the role. Holding Bachelor’s Degrees in both Communications and English from Northern Michigan University as well as a Master’s in Education specializing in Foundations in Behavioral Analysis from the University of Cincinnati, where she received the Outstanding Student Award, DeFrancesco’s dedication to excellence is evident in all she does.

With over 20 years of professional experience, she has been a valuable member of Munising Public Schools since 2019, holding various vital positions at Mather Elementary such as First Grade Teacher, ELA Department Head and Behavior Analyst. Previously she held the title of Art and Physical Education Teacher at Munising Baptist School.

Not content to rest on her laurels, the past several years she has served as a Teacher, Department Head, Literacy Coach, Cooperating Teacher, and an Administrator of i-Ready.

DeFrancesco has successfully implemented programs that improved student achievement, promoted teacher development, and enhanced parental and community engagement. Her accomplishments include:

• Developed the Title I Progress Report tool for ELA ( K-5)

• Outlined and disseminated the intent, purpose, and assurances of the 31a Grant

• Researched, piloted, and evaluated the diagnostic/intervention tool i-Ready

• Ensured Professional Development opportunities for the rollout of i-Ready

• Organized the school-wide Family Reading Night that cultivated student/parent/ community engagement

• Procured funding for the purchase of K-5 decodable books to aid in differentiated interventions

• Collaborated with teachers to facilitate the enrichment of ELA

• Coordinated the ongoing curriculum development of Bookworms

• Designed and executed a student- driven Literacy Garden at Mather

• Served on the Student Support Team to develop a tentative master schedule for 2024-25 school year

• Implemented the schoolwide PBIS within classrooms across curricular

• Volunteered after-school tutoring services for literacy enhancement,

• Created reports that monitored and analyzed student-generated data Fostering a positive school environment is one of her main priorities. “Creating an atmosphere that encourages collaboration, innovation and inclusivity has been a deliberate and intentional directive that I emphasize in every role that I have held here at Mather,” she stated. “I am deeply invested in our community and our school system. Therefore, I fully appreciate the importance of working collaboratively with teachers, parents and students to ensure educational excellence.”

Already hard at work in her new role, DeFrancesco aims to contribute to the continued growth and excellence of Mather Elementary and looks forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.