Dr. Christopher Wolfson Named Principal of Linton Middle School

Penn Hills School District is pleased to announce that Dr. Christopher Wolfson, currently serving as Associate Principal at Penn Hills High School, will step into the role of Principal at Linton Middle School following the retirement of longtime principal Sandy Barker. 

Dr. Wolfson joined the district during the 2025-2026 school year and brings with him more than 20 years of experience in education, including over 15 years as a principal. As he prepares to begin his first year at Linton, Dr. Wolfson shared a clear vision focused on both academic excellence and student well-being.

“My vision for Linton Middle School is to foster a culture of academic success in a safe and secure environment,” he said. “During my first year, my priorities will be listening to staff and families to understand what makes Linton special and ensuring students feel they have a path to success as they work towards transitioning to the high school.”

His passion for education stems from a lifelong connection to the school environment and a deep belief in its impact. Prior to working at Penn Hills, he led a nationally recognized middle school in the Mt. Lebanon School District, where he focused on instructional coaching, school improvement, and fostering strong communication with families and staff.

“I’ve always been a person who feels comfortable in a school setting and I appreciate the power of knowledge and education,” he shared. “I strive to share that belief with students and make the school a place they feel connected and supported.”

With much of his career rooted in middle school education, Dr. Wolfson recognizes the importance of this pivotal stage in students’ lives, noting the importance of preparing them for high school and beyond.

“I’ve spent the majority of my career at the middle level and recognize how pivotal of a time it is for kids,” he said. “I look forward to being a part of school and community success and seeing our students grow into mature and successful students at the next level.”

He describes his leadership style as student-centered, with a strong emphasis on transparency and the importance of building strong relationships with the community.

“Any decision that we make for the school has to consider the impact on our students,” he explained. “I strive to be as transparent as possible in this role. Building trust and relationships with families and stakeholders is essential for the overall success of the school. Students, staff, and families can expect me to be visible in our hallways and classrooms, always keeping our students at the forefront of every decision.”

As he transitions into his new role, Dr. Wolfson’s immediate focus will be on understanding the school community and strengthening its foundation. 

“My top priority is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Linton’s current culture, climate, and academic landscape,” he said. “I am committed to integrating middle school best practices to ensure our programming aligns with the highest national standards of excellence.”

The Penn Hills School District looks forward to the leadership and experience Dr. Wolfson will bring to Linton Middle School and is excited for the continued growth and success of its students, staff, and community.