Canal Winchester Schools Announces Two New Principals

Two new principals will take the helm at Canal Winchester Schools this fall, pending Board of Education approval.
The district has selected Ms. Ada Nicholson-Burley, currently an assistant principal at Canal Winchester High School, as the school’s next principal. Dr. Tiffany Kloeppel, an assistant principal from Pickerington Local Schools, has been chosen as the next principal of Indian Trail Elementary.
“We are excited to welcome Ms. Nicholson-Burley and Dr. Kloeppel as our new principals for the 2025-2026 school year,” said Superintendent Kiya Hunt. “Both bring a deep understanding of student needs and a strong commitment to creating school environments where every child feels seen, supported, and challenged. We’re confident they will be outstanding leaders for our students and staff.”
Ms. Nicholson-Burley joined Canal Winchester Schools in 2022 and has played a key role in leading the high school’s alternative, work-based learning, and credit recovery programs. She also provides instructional leadership for the math department and coordinates student and staff recognition programs. Before coming to Canal Winchester, she taught math at Columbus Africentric Early College for five years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Mathematics Education from Kent State University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University.
“Canal Winchester High School is a special place, and I’m honored to continue serving this community,” said Ms. Nicholson-Burley. “I look forward to working together with our staff, students, and families to create even more opportunities for students to grow, achieve, and thrive.”
Dr. Kloeppel brings six years of administrative experience to her new role. She currently serves as assistant principal at Fairfield Elementary in Pickerington and previously held leadership roles as principal of Parkmont Elementary in Fremont, California, and assistant principal at Lincoln High School in San Jose. A former physical education teacher, she has also worked as a consultant for the Ohio Department of Education and taught college-level physical education courses at Northern Arizona University and San Jose State University. Dr. Kloeppel earned her Bachelor’s degree from Montana State University, her master’s degree from California State University, East Bay, and her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Canal Winchester community and lead Indian Trail Elementary,” said Dr. Kloeppel. “I’m looking forward to partnering with families and staff to create a caring, engaging, and fun place for our students to learn and grow.”
Ms. Burley will assume the role previously held by Mr. Steven Cvetanovich, who announced in May his decision to return to the classroom as a science teacher at CWHS. Dr. Kloeppel will fill the position of Ms. Lea Cobb, who resigned to pursue other professional opportunities.
The Board of Education will vote on the hiring recommendations for Ms. Nicholson-Burley and Dr. Kloeppel at a special meeting on Friday, June 13, at 8 a.m. at the Canal Winchester Schools Education Center, 100 Washington Street, Canal Winchester.