Meet Our Principal and Assistant Principal

Penny Stires, Principal of Hastings Middle School

I am so proud to serve as the principal of Hastings Middle School!  As a native of London, Ohio, I am deeply committed to the values of community, connection, and collaboration. I look forward to working together to create a welcoming and inclusive school environment where every student can thrive.

My journey in education began over 30 years ago after earning a Bachelor's degree in Special Education from The Ohio State University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Wright State University. I began my career as a special education teacher in Columbus Public Schools and have since had the opportunity to serve students across a wide range of backgrounds in both Ohio and Colorado. These experiences have shaped my belief that every student matters and deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported.

My husband and I have been married for over thirty years and are the proud parents of two grown children and grandparents to two wonderful grandchildren. We also share our home with our two golden retrievers, Daisy and Ginger. Most of our large extended family live in the London area, which has made returning to Ohio especially meaningful for us. In my free time, I enjoy staying active—whether it's riding on the Ohio to Erie Trail or taking long walks with my dogs.

At Hastings Middle School, our team-based structure provides meaningful opportunities to collaborate around what’s best for students. I believe deeply in creating a school culture where every child feels a sense of belonging, purpose, and possibility. Inclusion is not just a goal—it’s a core value that guides my leadership and our collective efforts as a school community.

It is truly an honor to serve the Upper Arlington school community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at any time.  I am here to support you and your child, and I look forward to a fantastic year ahead.

Megan Lippert, Assistant Principal of Hastings Middle School

Born and raised in Worthington, Ohio, and the daughter of two dedicated educators, I began my career in education in 2009. Before joining the Upper Arlington team in 2019, I spent a decade in Worthington City Schools serving as an Intervention Specialist for eight years and Dean of Students for two.

My family and I are proud to call Upper Arlington home! My husband, Mike, and I are middle school sweethearts who always dreamed of raising a family in this community. While we both grew up in Worthington, Ohio and once viewed Upper Arlington as a bit of a rival, we’ve always admired its commitment to excellence, strong sense of community, and exceptional schools.

Today, we’re living that dream with our two children, Conner and Charlotte, and our golden retriever, Leo, who keeps us active and entertained. Much of my free time is spent cheering from the sidelines: at Upper Arlington High School men’s lacrosse games, where my husband coaches, or at Conner and Charlotte’s many games and events on the field or ice.

When we’re not at games, we love spending time with our extended family, who we’re lucky to have close by. And when I get a moment to myself, you’ll find me reading on the front porch, listening to music, lifting weights, or building something fun with my Lego sets.

As Assistant Principal, my goal is for every student to feel physically, emotionally, and mentally safe in our school and community. I believe Hastings is a place for everyone, and I’m committed to making sure every student feels valued, empowered, and heard. I also strive to meet students where they are, hold high expectations for all learners, and foster a strong, collaborative partnership between families and our school.

I’m excited for another wonderful year ahead with our students and families!