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.

Dr. Georgette Meister,

Ed.D., MT-BC


Associate Director

                                                                                                                             Dr. Georgette Meister brings 22 years of experience in education to Principle Academy Charter. She holds a B.Mus. from Immaculata College in Music, a M.A. from Immaculata College in Music Therapy, and an Ed.D. from Immaculata University in Educational Leadership. She holds certificates in both PA and NJ for Music, Middle Level English, Supervisor, and Principal and a national certificate in Music Therapy.
During her 22 years in education, Dr. Meister has worked with early intervention, pre-school, elementary school and middle school student populations. She has held positions of Teacher, Supervisor, Assistant Principal, Principal, and currently holds the Assistant Director position at PAC. Dr. Meister is a former college volleyball athlete and currently coaches elementary basketball and soccer for the township rec league. She enjoys music, reading and participating in new experiences as a part of her mindset that learning is constant and essential for growth and positive change.

Shanta Green

Shanta Green

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.

Alvaro Cores

Chief school administrator

Alvaro Cores, brings 24 years of experience in education to Principle Academy Charter. He holds a BA from Cornell University and earned an MA from St. Peter’s University.  During his 24 year tenure in the school system, he taught high school Social Studies, English, and served as a bilingual teacher.  In addition to his classroom experience, he has 16 years of administration experience in various K-12 positions, to include curriculum supervisor, assistant principal and principal at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

Mr. Cores enjoys baseball and is a former player and coach. He believes firmly in teaching students to adopt a growth mindset and be receptive to coaching and continuous improvement.