OA names new high school principal
  Heath Georgia to lead OFA beginning this summer

OWEGO – Heath Georgia will step in as Owego Free Academy principal this summer, replacing Steven DiStefano, who has announced he has accepted the principal position at Union-Endicott. DiStefano is currently finishing his second year as OFA principal.

Georgia will begin work at OFA in mid-July.

Georgia has held the position of assistant principal at Maine-Endwell for two years after a nine-year teaching career with the U-E district. Georgia said he taught middle school science for one year, followed by eight years teaching numerous science course concentrations, but predominantly biology. Georgia also taught U-E’s AP biology courses.

Georgia graduated magna cum laude from the State University College at Cortland and holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree. He is a graduate of Binghamton High School .

“I was attracted to this opportunity because of the excellent academic record at Owego Free Academy , as well as the beautiful facilities,” Georgia said, adding that while visiting the high school for a meeting in 2009, he was left with a very strong impression.

“I was at OFA for a principal’s meeting last year and the staff was really upbeat, really positive,” Georgia said. “It was a great experience being in the school.

“There are certain school buildings, when you first walk in, you get a very strong, upbeat feeling,” he said. “Maine Memorial in the M-E district is that way, too. There’s just a certain feeling you get at different schools, and it’s that way in the OA buildings.”

“Mr. Georgia impressed me and the members of the search committee as a strong academic leader and as someone who could build support for innovative changes,” said Dr. Bill Russell, OA superintendent.

“On his resume are a number of initiatives that, as products of his leadership, he’s seen from concept to completion, and we’re excited that he’ll bring that ingenuity to our fold.”

Georgia said his short-term aim as OFA principal is to get to know his staff and the students well, and to understand the culture of the school and district. Looking into the future, he’ll analyze data to help build on the school’s strengths, while rectifying any weaknesses.

“And really, to achieve overall excellence,” he said. “But it’s already a great school.”

Georgia is the nephew of long-time OA educator Sue Georgia, who recently retired, and her husband Steve.