Paul Brigman Appointed Principal at Spring Creek Elementary

A nine-year veteran of the State College Area School District will be the new principal at Spring Creek Elementary School.

Paul Brigman, currently the interim assistant principal at Park Forest Middle School, will start in the new role on June 6, following unanimous approval by the school board on Monday night.

He succeeds Todd Dishong, who is leaving Spring Creek to become superintendent of Portage Area School District.

Brigman has been with SCASD since 2013. He also has served as lead school counselor at State College Area High School, dean of students at Park Forest and Mount Nittany middle schools and a restorative practices trainer.

He previously worked with elementary-aged students for eight years as program and camp director for Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center’s Outdoor School and summer camp programs.

“I am beyond thrilled for the opportunity to join the team of amazing educators at Spring Creek Elementary as the next building principal,” Brigman said in a statement. “It will be difficult to say goodbye to my colleagues at Park Forest Middle School and the high school, but I am already feeling welcomed by the Spring Creek community and I am excited to begin building relationships with faculty, staff, students and families. For 17 years, I have been passionately committed to promoting a love of learning in children of all ages, and I plan to bring that wholehearted passion to SCE.”

Brigman earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Penn State and is a 2000 graduate of State High.

The search for Spring Creek’s new principal included input from teachers, parents, board members and administrators, according to Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Danielle Yoder.

“Paul brings with him years of experience in various levels of education,” Yoder said in a statement. “He worked with elementary students for over eight years as part of the Shaver’s Creek education program and spent time as a counselor prior to moving into administration at PFMS. His understanding of restorative practices and social/emotional support systems as well as his proactive approach to building relationships with all stakeholders are true strengths of his overall character.

“Additionally, Paul has a solid understanding of the SCASD curriculum and is excited to work with teachers and administration to continue to grow in his practice. His positivity and desire to help all people grow will also allow him to support the entire SCE community.”