At a special meeting on June 3, the Oxford Area Board of School Directors appointed Christopher T. Dormer as principal of Oxford Area High School. Mr. Dormer will succeed Dr. Scott Farina, who has served as interim principal of the high school since November 2012, and will assume his new duties over the summer.

Dormer brings to Oxford 13 years of educational experience as a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal and principal in the Upper Darby School District in Delaware County. As a former Oxford resident, he is uniquely positioned to understand the needs of students, parents, and community members.

With the hiring of Dormer, the Board is one step closer to having the administrative team in place for the 2013-14 school year and the beginning of the district’s latest strategic planning process. Essential to the achievement of this goal was the April 1 hiring of David Woods as superintendent of schools effective July 1.

“I am truly honored and excited to be given the opportunity to become principal of Oxford Area High School and to be an educational leader in such a great community,” said Mr. Dormer, now in his fifth year as principal of Upper Darby High School. “I am looking forward to building many positive relationships.”

Mr. Dormer earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from LaSalle University and a master’s degree in education from Cabrini College. He is currently pursuing his doctorate in education at Neumann University. As principal of Upper Darby High School, Mr. Dormer oversaw the educational program of 3,800 students and supervised more than 350 staff members. He is confident the experience, knowledge and skills developed in a diverse setting like Upper Darby will benefit Oxford Area High School.

“As we move forward, we want to ensure we are building a culture of success by ensuring growth in academic performance and sustainability,” said Board of School Directors president Jason Brady, noting that the additions of Mr. Dormer and Mr. Woods to the administrative team are critical pieces in accomplishing that goal. “Mr. Dormer brings a wealth of experience in creating successful and sustainable programs, measuring program performance and driving accountability.”