Principal: Kenneth Orange
Mr. Orange is honored to serve as the Proud Principal of the Allen M. Stearne School, with a vision to empower every student who walks through our doors. For the past two years, he has been a change agent and made improvement in the areas of attendance, academic and social-emotional growth while decreasing metrics like serious incidents and scholar suspension rates. His goal is for each child to recognize their own potential and harness it to make a meaningful impact on the world. By equipping them with knowledge and fostering resilience, Mr. Orange believes that education becomes a tool for enduring success in today’s world.
Before joining Stearne’s leadership team, Kenneth Orange accumulated extensive experience in education throughout Philadelphia since 2005. His roles have included Teacher and Team Leader in alternative education, Dean and Assistant Principal in a Charter School Network, and Climate Manager and Assistant Principal in the Philadelphia School District.
West Chester University is where Mr. Orange earned his undergraduate degree, in 2001, and began his understanding of the needs of the youth of the Philadelphia area. It is also where he met his wife. He furthered his education, earning a dual Master’s Degree in Education and Psychology from Arcadia University in 2008. Years in the field of education and mentoring youth, including his adolescent son, have solidified his belief that the power of a person comes through the application of the knowledge they have obtained. Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.
Principal Orange utilizes superpowers centered on empathetic leadership, strategic execution, and joyful connection. His Strong Listener power ensures he hears every voice, understands every story, and leads with genuine empathy, while his Conflict Resolution skill allows him to bridge gaps and build consensus. With Planning Power, he leverages vision, organization, and strategy to turn complex plans into impactful results, and through being a Big Kid at Heart, he leads with joy, builds strong relationships, and transforms the school experience into an engaging adventure.
Assistant Principal: Lorenea Meskill
The Stearne Elementary School community is pleased to welcome Lorenea Meskill as the new Assistant Principal. With 20 years of experience in education, she brings a wealth of knowledge gained from serving in various roles, all focused on fostering a positive and supportive environment where every child can thrive. Ms. Meskill’s connection to the district is deeply personal—she is a proud product of the School District of Philadelphia, having attended school in the very same halls. Her commitment to the city’s schools continues through her family, as her daughter currently teaches fourth grade in the district. She is eager to contribute her experience and collaborative spirit to the Stearne family.
Throughout her career, Ms. Meskill has held positions including teacher, School-Based Teacher Leader, Math Academic Lead Teacher, and Professional Learning Specialist. These roles have strengthened her belief in the importance of strong partnerships between schools and families. Outside of education, she enjoys sports, traveling, and gardening, activities that reflect her values of growth, exploration, and nurturing community. Her door is always open, and she looks forward to building relationships with students, families, teachers, and staff as they work together to continue Stearne’s tradition of excellence.
AP Meskill’s superpowers combine strategic direction with deep compassion and joy to drive daily impact. Her Strategic Vision gives her the ability to see the big picture and map out a brighter future, complemented by her Heart of a Champion, which empowers her to lead with empathy, inspire through love, and advocate for everyone. Through her unique Queen of Little Lunch power, she builds relationships and creates joy to make everyday moments the best part of the day, while her Resilient & Visionary mindset ensures she stays focused, overcomes challenges, and continually pushes the school forward.
Climate Manager: Jarae Bowman
Ms. Jarae Bowman serves as the Climate Manager at Allen M. Stearne within the Philadelphia School District, where she is dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for students and staff. As a proud graduate of the Philadelphia School District, she brings a deep understanding of the community and its unique challenges.
Ms. Bowman holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Voorhees University. With a strong background in criminal justice, she applies her knowledge and skills to effectively manage and improve school climate, focusing on proactive strategies to prevent conflicts and promote positive behavior. Passionate about helping inner-city youth, she has held several positions working directly with young people, striving to make a meaningful impact on their lives and futures.
As a transformational leader, guiding the Stearne community through a period of remarkable growth has been both rewarding and impactful. Our success is evident in the significant improvement in attendance numbers, the successful implementation of PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), and the effective incentivization of our scholars’ positive behaviors. This progress has not only fostered a more engaging and supportive learning.
g environment but has also played a crucial role in reducing negative school climate indicators, such as serious incidents, bullying, and student out-of-school suspensions. Ms. Bowman’s unwavering dedication has been instrumental in making the Sterane School a safe and nurturing place for all students. Her commitment to fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and safety ensures that every student feels valued and supported, creating an environment where learning can thrive.
Ms. Bowman wields superpowers focused on harmony, growth, and community transformation. Her Conflict Resolution power allows her to bridge differences, foster deep understanding, and create lasting solutions, while Steadfast Patience keeps her calm under pressure, focused on long-term growth, and unwavering in her purpose. As a Nurturing Guardian, she provides balanced and graceful care to support everyone around her, and with her Culture Builder ability, she inspires genuine connection, cultivates a sense of belonging, and elevates the entire school community.
