New Chamisa Principal Craig Washnok
LAPS News:
Los Alamos Public Schools is pleased to announce that Craig Washnok has accepted the position of principal of Chamisa Elementary School and Andy Ainsworth has accepted the position of assistant principal at Los Alamos Middle School.
Superintendent Kurt Steinhaus thanked the interview committee for their thoughtful work and noted that they had a strong pool of candidates.
Washnok has a bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education from Northern Illinois University. He has a master’s degree in special education with an emphasis in behavior disorders.
Washnok comes to Chamisa with 24 years in education including administrative experience as an athletic director, principal and acting superintendent.
During the last four years, he oversaw the Positive Support Program and was the head wrestling coach at Los Alamos Middle School.
Family, community and teamwork are key points Washnok plans to focus on at Chamisa.
“I am excited to be part of an outstanding staff and plan to build on the many great parts of Chamisa,” Washnok said.
Washnok and his wife, Jennifer, have one daughter, Campbell, in 4th grade. The whole family likes to spend time outdoors, hiking and camping.
New LAMS Assistant Principal Andy AinsworthAinsworth has a bachelor’s degree in history from Western New Mexico University, a master’s degree in secondary education from Western New Mexico University, and his Educational Administration Certificate from New Mexico Highlands University.
He has taught for a total of nine years, the last seven of which have been in Los Alamos. He received administration experience from a year as dean of students at TFA/LAHS.
With his leadership as head coach, the LAHS Varsity Golf team won two consecutive state championships. Ainsworth and his wife, Erika, have two boys, Michael and Luke, with a third boy on the way.
“I have greatly enjoyed teaching the students of Los Alamos over the past seven years,” Ainsworth said. “I am now eager to work with the LAMS staff to provide students with a memorable, positive and rewarding middle school experience.”
