Leadership
Robert Shappell
School director
My name is Robert Shappell and I am a school leader with over 20 years of experience. I have been lucky enough to teach at the high school and college levels, work as a central office and building administrator and serve my community as a Board of Education member (including Board President). I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Rowan University, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Drexel University, was a contributing writer for Principal Magazine, and have conducted scholarly research focusing on the family-school partnership to support student achievement. My wife, two adult children and I moved from Burlington to Cape May County in 2021.
I have been blessed to be a part of five different school districts. Each district has provided me opportunities to forge meaningful relationships, help develop innovative programs, and lead community outreach activities. Working with students, their families, and staff to make schools a better place has been my calling and my passion. I am extremely excited to be a member of the PAC school “family” and help our students grow to become the very best versions of themselves, both academically and social-emotionally.
Assistant School Director
Shanta Green, the Assistant Director, brings 12 years of experience in education to Principle Academy Charter School. She holds a BA from Shaw University. She earned an MA in Curriculum and Instruction. She earned a MA from Grand Canyon University in Administrator Leadership. During her 12 year in the school system, she has taught Grades 2-6. In addition to classroom experience, she has leadership experience serving as an instructional coach, elementary school dean, and PAC’s Elementary School Supervisor.
Mrs. Green enjoys music, movies, and performing arts. She believes educators, students and families should work together to ensure the success of all students. All stakeholders should be receptive to growth and improvement.
Jim Dionne
Technology Team Lead
James Dionne Jr, the Technology Team Lead, brings 35 years of Information Technology and teaching experience to Principle Academy Charter School. He has a BS in Computer Science
from Rider University and has teaching certificates in Elementary Education and Middle School Math. Immediately prior to joining PAC, Mr. Dionne taught Computer Technology for the
West Windsor-Plainsboro schools and also served in a dual role as the Computer Technology Teacher/IT Manager for a charter school in Trenton. His 25 plus years of IT experience include jobs in both government and private business. Mr. Dionne likes to bowl, play softball and golf and is a third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus, has worked with the Life/Teen organization at his church and is also a CPR instructor. Mr. Dionne believes that successful teachers will take an interest in their student’s lives and activities both in and out of school.