At Unity Point School, a new chapter of leadership is underway. Superintendent Dr. Yaa Appiah-McNulty, Principal for Instruction Dr. Mary Beth Goff, and Dean of Students Griffin Groves form the administrative team guiding the district through a year marked by transition and opportunity. With a new superintendent at the helm and half of the teaching staff new to the district, the leadership team has embraced the challenge of ensuring stability while setting a clear course for growth.

The team approaches its work through collaboration and shared responsibility. “We do a lot of work by consensus,” said Goff. “Dr. McNulty has a vision that we share, and she helps guide it. But what really matters is that we all have one another’s backs.” As Goff explained."When you have a new leader—myself in my second year as principal and a second-year dean of students/assistant principal—it takes time to learn each other's styles and strengths. To our credit, we've begun to do this quickly, as Dr. McNulty was given the opportunity to work in transition with Dr. James-Gross and the team toward the end of May." The team agrees it is essential to taking bold steps forward while maintaining accountability to students, staff, and the community.

For Dr. McNulty, collaboration is at the heart of leadership. “I don’t focus on hierarchy. I focus on the work we do for our children. We are all leaders, and our responsibility is to our students and community,” she explained. At the same time, she acknowledges that part of her role is to answer to the Board of Education, ensuring Unity Point makes progress toward its long-term goals and builds upon the great work already in place.

One of the team’s immediate priorities has been to strengthen systems and processes, particularly important with so many new staff members. Groves noted, “We already had strong practices in place. Dr. McNulty has helped us make them more procedural and streamlined so they’re consistent and effective.” Clear systems, paired with ongoing professional development, help ensure that every teacher—new or veteran—has the tools to succeed.

Academic achievement and supporting the whole child remain a central focus. While Unity Point currently holds a "commendable" designation, it has attained exemplary status before and continues to outperform state performance in many subject areas. The leadership team has its sights set on earning the state’s highest designation once again: "exemplary." “Our vision is growth,” Dr. McNulty said. If we grow all of our students, regardless of where they are, then we are truly supporting all of them. When we do that consistently, we will reach exemplary status.

The administrators also highlighted the district’s strengths in providing a supportive and inclusive environment. “Unity Point embraces diversity in all aspects,” Groves said. Goff added, “This school is a home for our students, their families, and our teachers. We are a family within a community.” Dr. McNulty emphasized that these values—diversity, community, and a student-first focus—are non-negotiables that will remain constant even as the district grows and evolves.

Teachers have already demonstrated resilience and adaptability as they implement new systems. We’re all on this journey of change together, and our teachers are truly embracing it every step of the way. I see renewed energy and motivation in classrooms, and that’s something we want to sustain.” The leadership team also stresses the importance of celebrating small wins, which motivates both staff and students to continue progressing.

Beyond academics, the team is deeply invested in the social-emotional growth of students. They credit Unity Point’s culture of forgiveness and second chances, along with a district-wide embrace of a growth mindset, for fostering resilience. Dr. McNulty recalled observing a teacher guiding a student through a reflection exercise, helping the child recognize their value and potential while developing their self-regulation skills. “That’s what growth mindset looks like in action,” she said. “It’s about perseverance and learning to make better choices.”

Looking ahead, each member of the leadership team is focused on measurable outcomes. Groves emphasized student development both academically and socially. Goff is committed to keeping teachers motivated and engaged so that classrooms remain places of innovation and excitement. Dr. McNulty is focused on aligning systems, strengthening professional development, and using data to track progress toward district goals and encouraging our staff to to have fun as that is the essence of schooling.

At the foundation of all these efforts is the recognition that Unity Point’s ultimate responsibility is to its students. “Our loyalty is to our children,” Dr. McNulty said. “That’s where we must focus.” With a leadership team aligned around growth, collaboration, and accountability, Unity Point is building on its strong foundation and preparing for an even stronger future.