Diane Rose and Hunter Routt begin new roles effective July 1

Salem Superintendent, Dr. Alan Seibert, recently announced that the Salem School Board has formally approved two administrative moves in the division, effective July 1, 2019.

Long-time East Salem Elementary School principal, Diane Rose, will move to Andrew Lewis Middle School to serve as an assistant principal on the Wolverines’ leadership team. Hunter Routt, who has been as an assistant principal at Salem High School and Andrew Lewis, as well as an elementary school teacher in the division, will take over as the new principal at East Salem.

“Returning to my roots at the elementary level is very exciting for me,” said Routt. “I had the opportunity to work at East Salem during my time as a gifted resource teacher, and I clearly remember the creativity and commitment shown by the staff. I’ve always felt drawn to the building and community and I couldn’t be more thrilled about the chance to work at East Salem again.”

Rose has been the principal at East Salem since 2004 and she also served as an assistant principal in the division for more than 15 years at West Salem and G.W. Carver. Rose also has 14 years of elementary teaching experience in Roanoke City.

“My entire career, as an elementary educator, has been geared toward developing students in their formative years,” Rose said. “In effect, I have been preparing them for middle school and beyond, so it will be exciting to see some of my former students and, hopefully, continue to make a positive impact on their lives, as they continue to grow.” The School Board formally approved the moves at the March 26 school board meeting.

“Diane Rose brings a wealth of experience to the halls of Andrew Lewis, along with a true passion for young people,” said Jamie Garst, Andrew Lewis Principal. “Ms. Routt was a true all-star for us here at Lewis, so I know the folks at East are also going to be in really good hands.”

• Submitted by Mike Stevens, City of Salem Communications Director