Administration

Ms. Melissa Butler
Principal
e: mbutler@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us
p: (973) 378-7686, ext. 5001

Melissa Butler is the principal of Clinton Elementary School. She previously was an assistant principal at Columbia High School, and she has worked as the K-12 ELA Supervisor for the district. Prior to these roles, she was a 6th-grade ELA teacher for 12 years at South Orange Middle School and a special education teacher for one year.

Melissa has also assumed a role as a part-time "Units of Study" team member for The Reading and Writing Project at Teachers College. Here she implemented best teaching practices in the reading/writing workshop setting for middle schools around the country in Home-Grown Institutes and in TCRWP reunions.

Melissa was the recipient of the Bammy Award for Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2014, which identifies and acknowledges work being done across the country in the entire education field every day.  She continues to champion her expertise and knowledge across the country by presenting at conferences centered around reading and writing, technology, and intervention supports.

Ms. LaVonne Wallace
Assistant Principal
e: lwallace@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us
p: (973) 378-7686, ext. 5005

LaVonne Wallace is the assistant principal of Clinton Elementary School. She previously worked at New Brunswick Public Schools as a Reading Specialist and Literacy Coach. Prior to these roles, she was a middle school Literacy Interventionist and English Language Arts teacher for 11 years at Franklin Middle School in Somerset, NJ.

LaVonne has dedicated her educational career to improving the literacy skills of students. In addition, her knowledge of culturally responsive pedagogical practices has allowed her to successfully service students and staff with various strengths and from different backgrounds, ensuring equitable access and opportunity for all.

Over the years, LaVonne has been recognized for her professionalism and contributions, including the honor of being presented with the 2023 Educational Support Professional of the Year award. As a life-long learner, she hopes to inspire every student at Clinton to develop the leadership skills and values needed in order to make great contributions to their community.