Two Lynchburg City schools will welcome new principals in the fall. Lori McVicar has been named the next principal of Robert S. Payne Elementary School. Likewise, Jason Giambrone will be the next principal of Dearington Elementary School for Innovation.
Assistant principal at R. S. Payne Elementary since 2020, McVicar’s experience supporting the school through the pandemic quickly bonded her with students and staff members. She taught and developed curriculum in Connecticut for 18 years before joining Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) in 2018 as a lead instructional coach at William Marvin Bass Elementary School.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Liberty University, where she’s currently an adjunct education professor and university supervisor; a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Central Connecticut State University; and a sixth-year degree in educational leadership from the University of Connecticut. Past experiences as a marriage and family therapist mesh with her 23 years as an educator to influence her person-centered leadership style.
“I am excited to continue to serve our Dragon students and families. As we move forward as a community, we will continue to collaboratively foster students who know we care and who care for others,” McVicar said.
Like McVicar, Giambrone is no stranger to LCS. He joined the division in 2014—first as a grant coordinator at Sandusky Middle School, then as a lead high school teacher at Fort Hill Community School, and now as an assistant principal at E. C. Glass High School, where he’s led since 2020. He has more than 20 years of experience as an educator along with a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in special education, and an education specialist degree in supervision and leadership from Liberty University.
Giambrone’s experiences mentoring and volunteering with youth through Churches for Urban Ministries and the Jubilee Family Development Center have afforded him a nuanced understanding of the social and cultural structures that impact students’ experiences.
“I am humbled to be named the new principal for Dearington Elementary School for Innovation,” Giambrone said. “My philosophy is built on access and equity. All students at Dearington will have access to quality instruction.”
Both McVicar and Giambrone emphasize collaboration as central to their leadership strategies. They’re known for encouraging students and staff members to unlock their full potential by creating environments where they can thrive.
“Over the past several years, I’ve seen both Lori and Jason exemplify our mission to support every child, by name and by need, to graduation and beyond,” said LCS superintendent Dr. Crystal Edwards. “I’m excited to see them serve our community as the new principals of R. S. Payne and Dearington.”
