Portland Public Schools Administrative Appointments
At a Special Board of Education Meeting on Thursday evening, March 16, 2017, the Portland Board of Education appointed Mrs. Allison Hine as Principal of Brownstone Intermediate School and Mr. Ryan Walstrom as Principal of Gildersleeve Elementary School.
Allison Hine has many years of experience as an educator and administrator. Allison served as an assistant principal in the Stonington Public Schools, both at the elementary and middle school level, and as the social studies curriculum coordinator K-8. During her tenure in the Old Saybrook Public Schools, Allison was a third grade teacher. Allison will bring to Brownstone School her commitment to providing young people with opportunities to experience the world and ignite their passion for exploration and life-long learning.
Mrs. Hine received her Bachelor's from Binghamton University in New York, her Master’s in Elementary Education from the University of Massachusetts in Boston and her Sixth Year Diploma in Educational Administration from the University of Connecticut. Allison and her husband Jack live in Old Lyme with their two children, Isabella and Leland. She enjoys many outdoor activities with her family including biking, camping, and gardening. Allison will begin her work in Portland in early July.
Ryan Walstrom also brings many years of experience as an educator and administrator. Ryan served as an assistant principal at Pine Grove Elementary School in Avon, CT for the last four years. Prior to his administrative position, Mr. Walstrom was a reading consultant in the Glastonbury Public Schools and a second grade, fifth grade, and special education teacher in the West Hartford Public Schools. Ryan will work in collaboration with students, parents, and staff members, and the district leadership team to maintain a positive school climate and meet the needs of all learners.
During his tenure in Avon, Ryan represented the administrative team on the District Technology Council and the Accessible Educational Materials Committee. Additionally, Ryan, in collaboration with the Pine Grove School principal, led the staff through the full implementation of Capturing Kids Hearts, a program designed by the Flippen Group to enhance school climate and culture. In December, the Flippen Group recognized Pine Grove School as a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School Nominee.
Mr. Walstrom received his Sixth Year Diploma in Educational Administration from the University of Connecticut, his Master’s in Reading and Language Arts from Central Connecticut State University and his Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from Juniata College in Pennsylvania. Ryan will begin his work in Portland in early July.