Dr. Frank Fischel
Dr. Frank Fischel has assumed the role of principal at Ooltewah Elementary School.
Dr. Fischel said, “I have worked in a lot of different educational atmospheres, but I sincerely love to work in elementary schools. The youthful enthusiasm and excitement for learning that you see in the faces of elementary children is infectious and inspires me in my life and work.”
Dr.
Fischel comes to Chattanooga from Flanders, New Jersey where he was principal at Mountain View Elementary from 2010 to 2018. Officials said, "The school was the district's highest ranked school on the New Jersey Department of Education Report Card. The school was a top ten K-8 school in the country and first in math. He made children a part of the education experience by involving them in important decisions. Student-led research at Mountain View helped provide information to others on a vote to restructure the school playground and recess activities. Dr. Fischel also implemented School Way, a daily student performance communication to the community."
“I am a hands-on, high-energy consensus builder with all learning communities,” said Dr. Fischel. “I love building relationships as a principal by successfully “working” evolving plans with kids and teachers - joined by parents.”
Officials said, "As someone who has amassed over 40 years of education and administrative experience, Dr. Fischel has the qualities and qualifications desired by Ooltewah Elementary parents expressed in a new principal survey. Responses showed parents wanted a proven, experienced educator with strong leadership qualities. Dr. Fischel fits the leader described by parents as he previously served as superintendent of two different school districts. He has also served as a director of instructional improvement, assistant principal, coach, and teacher with most of his educational experience in Missouri and New Jersey. Also, Dr. Fischel makes a point to prioritize building relationships as a principal, something that was important on the survey to parents and teachers at Ooltewah Elementary. Dr. Fischel has earned both a masters and doctorate in education and a degree in special education."
Fischel and his wife Raquel have a pre-school daughter. He said he sees the Tennessee Valley as the perfect fit for his family and career. “I want my daughter, Franchezka, to grow intellectually, spiritually, and physically and I believe I have found such a place in Hamilton County.”