District News

The educational journey of Andrea Parker began when she was five years old in the classrooms of Court Street Elementary, discovering a love of learning through teachers such as Karen Overhoff, now retired. Parker’s journey has brought her back to the school, where she will now serve as the school’s principal. Among her goals is to partner with all stakeholders to create meaningful and enriching learning experiences for every child.

“As a proud Lancaster graduate, it’s a privilege to come back and help carry out that mission,” she said. “Thank you for allowing me to rejoin the Lancaster family I so deeply love.” Parker, who will begin in the principal role on January 5, 2026, brings 14 years of elementary education experience to the role, including time as an intern in Overhoff’s classroom, affirming the influence educators can have on both students and interns. The 2005 Lancaster High School alumna has earned degrees in leadership, literacy, and childhood education, and during her career she has taught across multiple grade levels, including sixth grade ELA as well as second and fourth grades. She transitioned into administration just over five years ago, serving as a middle school assistant principal and coordinator of curriculum and instruction in the Cheektowaga-Sloan District. Most recently, she has been the assistant principal at Parkdale Elementary School in East Aurora for the past three and a half years.

In preparation for the transition, Parker has worked closely with retiring principal Jackie Clinard to ensure a smooth handoff for students, families, faculty, and staff. As Director of Elementary Education, Karen Marchioli shared with the Board of Education during Parker’s appointment in October, “Andrea has some big shoes to fill, following Jackie Clinard, who is truly a legend. But when we found Andrea, the entire hiring committee agreed she is the one who can take the reins and continue Court Street on its tradition of excellence.”

This article was published in December 2025 as part of the Lancaster Central School District’s Winter Newsletter. Read this year’s edition at https://bit.ly/3Lggqoy.