Dr. Kyle Hammond was named principal of the Great Valley School District’s new 5/6 Center at the Feb. 21 meeting of the Great Valley School Board. Currently the principal of Sugartown Elementary School, Hammond will transition into his new role this summer to allow his focus to be on planning and preparation for the new school’s opening. The 5/6 Center will open to students in the fall of 2024.

Hammond has been principal of Sugartown Elementary School since 2016. His previous work in the district was at Great Valley Middle School, where he served as an assistant principal from 2008 through 2012. In addition to his work in Great Valley, Hammond was also a principal in the School District of Haverford, and was a sixth grade English teacher in the West Chester Area School District.

“I care deeply for the Great Valley community, and am extremely grateful for this opportunity to serve and lead our new school for fifth and sixth grade students,” said Hammond. “I look forward to the shared efforts that will shape and mold a community and a new school culture, and am humbled by our community’s trust in me. I am dedicated to the care of children and will work collaboratively to build a healthy learning environment where students feel accepted, loved, and want to be.”

 “Dr. Hammond is an esteemed and experienced leader,” said Superintendent Daniel Goffredo. “His instructional knowledge, his focus on equity for all students, and his leadership style make him a strong principal and a highly respected member of the Great Valley team. As we prepare to open our new school, we are confident that Dr. Hammond’s skills and his ability to form relationships and build community will serve our district’s staff, students, and families well.”

Hammond earned his undergraduate degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and his master’s degree from Gratz College. He holds both principal (K-12) and elementary (K-6) professional certifications from Gwynedd-Mercy University, and earned his doctorate from Immaculata University.

The Great Valley School District will begin a comprehensive search for Hammond’s replacement with the goal of hiring a new principal for Sugartown Elementary School this spring. The new principal will assume the role at Sugartown for the start of the 2023-2024 school year.