Welcome to the second edition of Principal Profiles, where we chat with the leaders from one of our schools each month. For this edition, we sat down with Matthew Jacobs and April Washington of Summit Road STEM Elementary.
Matthew Jacobs: Principal
Having taught at the elementary level, served as an instructional coach, and led as an assistant principal, Jacobs utilizes his experience every day as a principal. Outside of this, he has also earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Ashland University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Ohio Dominican University.
His work history and education provide him with a strong foundation in both teaching and leadership, all aimed at improving student learning and staff development.
What is your education philosophy and goals for your role?
My education philosophy is grounded in creating hands-on, experiential learning environments where students are encouraged to explore and innovate. One of my primary goals this year is to strengthen relationships with all stakeholders, including students, staff, parents, and the community, to foster a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and connected.
Why is Summit Road STEM Elementary great? What do you like most about it?
Summit Road STEM Elementary stands out because of its commitment to blending academic learning with STEM-based, real-world applications. Our recent STEM redesignation highlights the dedication of our staff and students.
What I love most is how our school continuously pushes the boundaries of traditional education by encouraging problem-solving and innovation through unique resources like our wetlands and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) initiatives.
Why are you proud to be a Raider?
Being a Raider is all about being part of a supportive community that values growth, innovation, and resilience. I’m proud to be a part of the District because we focus not only on academics but also on developing well-rounded individuals ready to tackle future challenges. Our focus on our Portrait of a Graduate allows us to develop the competencies that produce well-rounded adults.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my wife and our one-year-old daughter. In our free time, we enjoy spending time with family and friends, having campfires, and enjoying an event outside.
What’s one fact that people may be interested to know about you?
I have three sisters, two of whom are also educators, and my aunt was my high school English teacher. My wife and both of her siblings are also educators. We are a family of educators!
What’s the one thing you want families to take away from your profile?
I want families to know that my focus is on building a supportive and inclusive community where every child feels safe, encouraged, and inspired to learn. My goal is to create an environment at Summit Road STEM Elementary where students and families feel connected and can engage together in their education.
April Washington: Assistant Principal
With 16 years of experience in education, Assistant Principal Washington has held various roles in her career — classroom teacher, reading specialist, instructional leadership team chair, union building representative, and a member of a district strategic leadership team. She was honored with the Teacher of the Year award at a charter school in Cincinnati as well.
Directly before serving in her current role, Washington was the director of professional issues for a state-level teacher’s union.
What is your education philosophy and goals for your role?
I strongly believe in educational efficacy as I firmly believe in the potential for students to attain academic success, and I am equipped to support them in achieving this success.
Why is Summit Road STEM Elementary great? What do you like most about it?
Summit is an exceptional workplace due to the exceptional students and staff. Our committed staff effectively addresses the academic and emotional needs of every student within the building. We take pride in our diverse community, which was recently showcased during our Multicultural Celebration. The event featured a parade, games, food, crafts, and traditional dances representing the diverse cultures of our students and staff from around the world.
Why are you proud to be a Raider?
I take great pride in being a Raider because of Reynoldsburg's rich legacy of success, diversity, and inclusivity. Many of my colleagues have chosen to reside, work, and raise their families in Reynoldsburg, fostering a sense of unity and support akin to that of a close-knit family. Our school community fosters collaboration and mutual encouragement, ensuring the success of both our students and fellow educators.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I love to travel outside the U.S. and rest on a beach at a resort somewhere in the Caribbean. I enjoy playing tennis, going to the movies, watching musicals live, and reading.
What’s one fact that people may be interested to know about you?
One of my mom's closest friends is the legendary comedian George Wallace, and the character George from Seinfeld was based on his friendship with Jerry Seinfeld.
What’s the one thing you want families to take away from your profile?
I want families to know of our unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional educational experience for their children. It is my goal to cultivate an enjoyable, secure, and inclusive educational environment where all our students can flourish and realize their full potential.
Thank you to Summit Road STEM Elementary’s leadership for taking the time to share with our families! Make sure to check back next month for a new edition of Principal Profiles.
Curious who we spoke to last? Click here to learn more about Taylor Road Elementary!