Shaun Fontaine

ALLIANCE, OHIO – (April 12, 2021) – Shaun Fontaine will be transitioning from his current role as the Alliance High School Band Director to the role of Assistant Principal for the 2021-2022 school year pending board approval at the regular Board of Education meeting to be held on April 20.

A 1997 graduate of Alliance High School, Fontaine returned to his alma mater as the head director of the band program in 2003 after working two years at Coventry Local Schools as the assistant director of the band program. Over the years, he has helped to grow and shape the band program at the middle school and high school.

Fontaine earned a Bachelor’s of Music Education from the College of Wooster in 2001, a Master’s of Music Education from the University of Akron in 2006 and a Master’s of Education and Principal Licensure from the University of Mount Union in 2020.

Over the years, he has been recognized with a number of awards and achievements including being named a finalist for the 2021 Stark County Music Educator of the Year Award and being named the 2008 Alliance City Schools Teacher of the Year.

“I am very excited for the challenges and leadership opportunities my position will offer, but I will miss making music and having fun with the members of the AHS Band on a daily basis,” Fontaine said. “For me, being an assistant principal at AHS means I still get to see and support my students while supporting my colleagues too. In my new position, I’ll get to see them more than just one period a day and while I’ll still get to see them perform with the AHS Band, I’ll get to see them excel in their classrooms, sports and activities too.”

The process for hiring a new band director will begin immediately. Alliance City Schools is dedicated to finding a new director that is highly qualified and exemplifies the ideals of an Alliance Aviator.

“When we hire administrators, we look for people who will lead in a way that is consistent with our culture of treating everyone with dignity and respect, while setting high expectations.  Shaun’s leadership with AHS’ hugely successful “Pride of the Sky” marching band was demonstrative of this leadership style,” said Rob Gress, superintendent. “We’re looking forward to seeing him apply his skills to our entire student body in this new position. We will now focus our efforts in ensuring that we find and hire a band director who will continue our tradition of excellence.”

 For more information about the Alliance City School District, visit www.alliancecityschools.org.