Scotch Plains-Fanwood School District Hires Principal for LaGrande School Opening in the Fall

Megan McNally has never opened a school before. Neither has La Grande Elementary. That's exactly what drew her to the job.

McNally was appointed as the first principal of La Grande Elementary School — Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools' new early childhood education center in Fanwood — set to welcome approximately 120 pre-kindergarten students this September. She started June 1, and Union County Life is introducing her to the community ahead of what will be one of the most anticipated fall openings in the district's recent history.

Since day one, McNally has been building something from scratch. School colors. A mascot. A culture. The kind of groundwork that most principals inherit but she gets to create.

"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," she said.

A School Born from the Community's Vote

La Grande Elementary didn't happen by accident. Scotch Plains and Fanwood residents approved a funding referendum in January 2025 authorizing the purchase, renovation, and operation of the facility as a dedicated early childhood center — a vote that reflected the district's need for more space and a better home for its youngest learners.

The school will bring all district pre-kindergarten classes together under one roof for the first time, while freeing up nine classrooms across existing elementary schools to ease overcrowding. It will offer a tuition-based, integrated half-day pre-K program with morning and afternoon sessions, along with full-day self-contained classes.

More Than Two Decades in the Classroom

McNally comes to La Grande with more than 20 years of experience. She spent eight years as principal of Irving Primary School in the Highland Park School District and 12 years teaching preschool, kindergarten, and middle school special education. She holds graduate degrees in Education, Special Education, and Educational Administration from Georgian Court University, and an undergraduate degree from Marist University.

But for McNally, the work ahead isn't primarily about credentials or logistics. It's about relationships — and about what it means to be the first.

"I want to build excitement for the community to see the beauty of having a dedicated space for our youngest learners," she said. "I want to establish a positive culture and create a learning environment where every child feels welcomed, supported and challenged to grow."

She knows the moment she's standing in.

"There is something truly special about a school's first chapter," McNally said. "Together we have the chance to create something extraordinary from day one."

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FAQ

When does La Grande Elementary School open in Fanwood?
La Grande Elementary is scheduled to open in September 2026.

Who is the principal of La Grande Elementary School?
Megan McNally, who has more than two decades of experience in education, was named the school's first principal and began June 1, 2026.

What grades does La Grande Elementary serve?
La Grande is an early childhood education center for pre-kindergarten students. It will offer half-day morning and afternoon sessions as well as full-day self-contained classes.

How was La Grande Elementary funded?
Scotch Plains and Fanwood residents approved a funding referendum in January 2025 authorizing the purchase, renovation, and operation of the facility as a dedicated early childhood center.

Why did Scotch Plains-Fanwood create La Grande Elementary?
To bring all district pre-K programs together in one dedicated building and free up nine classrooms across existing elementary schools to ease space constraints.