CAMILLUS — On July 7 Gregory Lawson was appointed by the board of education as our newest principal at West Genesee High School. He started on July 19.

Syracuse City School District has had the benefit of his service for the past seven years. His roles included that of a building administrator, instructional coach, and multi-classroom teacher leader. Prior to that time, he served for eight years as Special Education Teacher and New Teacher Mentor at the Louis Armstrong Middle School that operates in collaboration with Queens College for culturally diverse groups of students. He has a breadth of experience in social, emotional, behavioral approaches, restorative practices, and school intervention to support a strong organizational climate.

Lawson’s educational background includes a bachelor of arts in political science from SUNY Oswego; master of science in education/special education from CUNY, Queens College; a certificate of advanced study in school building leadership from Niagara University; and he is pursuing a doctorate of education in executive leadership at Le Moyne College.

Military experience is a large part of his background as he is a senior enlisted leader in the Navy Reserve US Fleet Forces Command over the past two years, and is entering his seventeenth year of military service. He was also an honor graduate with United States Navy Senior Enlisted Academy RC 26 following extensive training.

“The response from committees through the interview process was extremely positive,” Superintendent David C. Bills said. “Highlights were Greg’s experience of service to students, multiple leadership roles, instructional coaching, and organizational knowledge as part of a diverse skill set that will be a valuable asset to the West Genesee Community.”

On a personal note, Lawson is a native of Oswego county growing up in Phoenix, NY.

He currently lives in Baldwinsville with his wife Erin, sons John (12 years old), Atticus (8 years old), and Elliot (6 years old).