Avondale Welcomes New Leaders for the 2026-27 School Year

Welcoming Our New Superintendent

Catherine “Cathy” Kochanski joins Avondale Schools as our new Superintendent following a nationwide search conducted by the Avondale Board of Education last school year. Ms. Kochanski comes to Avondale from Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, where she served as Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services. With experience as both an elementary principal and classroom teacher, she brings a strong background in instructional leadership and a passion for student achievement, collaboration, and innovation.

New Leadership at Avondale Middle School

Adam Normand joins Avondale Middle School as Assistant Principal. Mr. Normand comes to us from Oakland Christian School and brings experience in instructional leadership, academic affairs, and secondary education, along with a strong commitment to building positive relationships with students, staff, and families.

New Elementary Leadership

Several elementary schools will begin the year with new leadership. Shalonda Byas will serve as Principal of R. Grant Graham Elementary, while Dr. Jamie Brooks will lead Auburn Elementary as Principal. Both bring valuable experience and unique strengths to their new school communities.

At GATE Magnet School, Angela Castaldi will transition to a full-time Assistant Principal role, allowing her to focus exclusively on supporting GATE students, staff, and families.

Graham Elementary will also welcome Tarah Erickson as the Dean of Students. Tarah has spent more than two decades working with elementary students across grades K-6 and is excited to partner with Graham staff and families to build a vibrant, joyful community where every child can shine.

New Faces at the District Office

Jillian Kozlowski joins Avondale as our new Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent. Jillian spent much of her career working in the operating room before transitioning to support roles in education. She is excited to build relationships, deepen her expertise, and become part of the Avondale family.

Ronald Gardner also joins the Central Office team as Director of Information Technology. Before joining Avondale, Ron spent 14 years as Manager of IT at Judson Center, a local family-services nonprofit. He brings extensive experience in network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and technology support.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to all of our new Avondale team members! We’re excited to have them with us and look forward to the experience, energy, and new perspectives they will bring to our schools and district community throughout the year.