Parkland School Board Directors approved the appointment of Dr. Monica Ouly-Uhl as principal of Orefield Middle School, on Sept. 17.

Dr. Ouly-Uhl will replace Todd M. Gombos who will retire in January, according to Director of Communications and Community Engagement Nicole McGalla.

“Monica has been a key contributor to the success of our middle school programs for many years,” McGalla’s news release states. “Her dedication and commitment were recognized when she was selected as Pennsylvania’s 2020 Assistant Principal of the Year.

“She received the award for the considerable contributions she has made to the profession and the lives of students.

“Throughout her career, Dr. Ouly-Uhl has demonstrated unwavering dedication to serving students, staff, and parents, and her passion for middle school education shines through in everything she does.

“In addition, Monica has had the distinct advantage of working closely with Gombos, which has further enriched her professional growth as a leader.”

Dr. Mark J. Madson, superintendent of Schools, commented on Dr. Ouly-Uhl’s appointment.

“Monica’s ability to collaborate and lead has been consistently demonstrated through her outstanding performance and contributions,” Madson said. “Her extensive knowledge, combined with years of hands-on experience, positions her as a capable and visionary leader.

“The administration is proud to request her appointment, knowing she will continue to contribute to our school community in many positive ways.”

Dr. Ouly-Uhl is a graduate of Penn State University’s Nutritional and Biological Sciences program.

She received her Master’s degree from Penn State in home economics and her elementary and secondary principal certification through Lehigh University and a Doctoral degree from Temple University in educational administration.

Dr. Ouly-Uhl has served as a school administrator for the past 20 years in Parkland.

Before her role as an assistant principal, she was a Family and Consumer Science teacher at Springhouse Middle School.

Previously, she served as an administrative intern for Mahanoy Area School for one year and as a home economics teacher for the same district for five years.