Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Megan McNally as the first principal of La Grande Elementary School, the district’s new early childhood education center in Fanwood that is scheduled to open this September. 

McNally, an experienced educator and principal, officially started on June 1 and has been leading preparations to open the district’s newest school, which will welcome approximately 120 pre-kindergarten students in September. 

For McNally, the opportunity to open a new school is both professionally and personally meaningful. 

“I’m thrilled to be part of creating something new from the very beginning,” McNally said. “From choosing our colors and mascot to shaping a vision and mission that reflect the values of our district, we have a unique opportunity to establish a school culture that inspires and supports our students, families, teachers and staff for years to come.” 

In January 2025, Scotch Plains and Fanwood residents approved a funding plan to purchase, renovate and operate La Grande Elementary School as a dedicated early childhood center. The new school will bring all district pre-kindergarten classes together under one roof while freeing up nine classrooms across the district’s elementary schools to help address space constraints. 

La Grande Elementary School will offer a tuition-based, integrated half-day pre-kindergarten program with both morning and afternoon sessions, including full-day self-contained classes. 

As she prepares for the school's opening, McNally said she is most excited to begin building relationships with students, families and the broader community. 

“An early childhood education building is truly special,” she said. “I want to build excitement for the community to see the beauty of having a dedicated space for our youngest learners. I want to establish a positive culture and create a learning environment where every child feels welcomed, supported and challenged to grow.” 

McNally brings more than two decades of educational experience to her role as principal. She served as principal of Irving Primary School in the Highland Park School District for eight years, where she focused on fostering a student-centered culture grounded in academic excellence, social-emotional learning, and early childhood development. Prior to becoming a principal, she spent 12 years in the classroom, teaching preschool, kindergarten, and middle school special education. 

With extensive knowledge of early childhood education and the developmental needs of young learners, McNally is recognized for her strong commitment to social-emotional learning and her belief that children thrive when they feel connected, supported, and valued. She takes pride in thoughtful program design, collaborative leadership, and making decisions that prioritize the best interests of students. Throughout her career, she has remained dedicated to creating engaging learning environments and building programs that support the academic, social, and emotional growth of every child. 

McNally earned her undergraduate degree from Marist University and holds graduate degrees in Education and Special Education and Educational Administration from Georgian Court University. 

Looking ahead, McNally said she is eager to help establish traditions and build a strong sense of community around the new school. 

Outside of her professional responsibilities, McNally enjoys spending time with her two children and many pets. In her free time, she loves traveling, gardening, being creative through journaling and decorating, cooking, the year-round beach, and pursuing new hobbies and interests. 

“There is something truly special about a school’s first chapter,” she said. “I’m excited to work with our students, families and staff to shape a place that reflects the shared values of Scotch Plains-Fanwood, celebrates success and becomes a source of pride for the community. New schools are a rare opportunity today, and together we have the chance to create something extraordinary from day one.”