Hello, Jenkintown Elementary School Families,

My name is Dr. Ernesto Ortiz, Jr., and I am truly honored and excited to join the Jenkintown School District as the new Principal of Jenkintown Elementary School.

Over the past 23 years, I have served as an elementary teacher, assistant principal, and elementary principal in the Allentown, Centennial, and Pennsbury School Districts. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with the AIM Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting schools with professional development in the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy.

My wife, Ashley, and I live with our three children Julian, Adriana, and Nicholas. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active, following sports, exploring new technology, and growing my collection of bow ties.

Throughout my career, I have developed core values that guide me as an educational leader: building positive relationships, fostering collaboration, maintaining high expectations for myself, students, and staff, and ensuring open communication and transparency. Most importantly, I believe every decision should be made with students’ best interests at heart.

I am excited to get to know each of you and to work alongside our students, staff, and families to make Jenkintown Elementary School a place where every child can thrive academically and socially. I look forward to a great year ahead and to becoming a part of the Jenkintown community.

Your proud principal,
Dr. Ernesto Ortiz, Jr.