Principal: Ross Houston's Message
Dear Trojan Families,
It is with great excitement that I welcome you to the 2024-2025 school year. I am deeply
honored to be the principal at the Greater Johnstown Middle School with its long history of Pride
and Tradition. As I transition from an assistant principal role at JES, I assure you that I will work
relentlessly to continue the great progress that was made last year under the guidance of Mr.
Ribblett and Mr. Cordek. With highly qualified teachers, determined administration, skilled
mental health support staff, a clear vision, and a tremendous work ethic, we will continue to
grow and mold a positive school climate and culture, together.
The 24/25 school year marks the start of my 17th year in education. My previous
experiences include almost 15 years at Somerset Area Jr. High School, where I worked as a 7th
grade learning support teacher and 7th/8th grade inclusion facilitator. My Master’s Degree in
Inclusive Education has helped me learn how to better meet the needs of all, and recognize the
importance of diversity and inclusivity.
I currently reside in Somerset, PA with my wife, Marie, and two sons, Aiden (10) and
James (5). My wife is an educator heading into her 20th year at Somerset Area. When not on
the JMS campus, I coach an array of youth sports in which both of my sons participate. In our
not-so-frequent downtime, the Houston clan enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, and spending
time with family.
Since becoming a father a mere decade ago, I have grown both personally and
professionally. Seeing the world through a different lens as a parent has molded me into the
type of administrator I always wanted to be, and one Trojan nation will be proud. As we grow
together, building a positive school climate, rest assured that my passion for leading both
students and staff is my top priority with the highest of expectations.
It is with great excitement that I welcome you to the 2024-2025 school year. I am deeply
honored to be the principal at the Greater Johnstown Middle School with its long history of Pride
and Tradition. As I transition from an assistant principal role at JES, I assure you that I will work
relentlessly to continue the great progress that was made last year under the guidance of Mr.
Ribblett and Mr. Cordek. With highly qualified teachers, determined administration, skilled
mental health support staff, a clear vision, and a tremendous work ethic, we will continue to
grow and mold a positive school climate and culture, together.
The 24/25 school year marks the start of my 17th year in education. My previous
experiences include almost 15 years at Somerset Area Jr. High School, where I worked as a 7th
grade learning support teacher and 7th/8th grade inclusion facilitator. My Master’s Degree in
Inclusive Education has helped me learn how to better meet the needs of all, and recognize the
importance of diversity and inclusivity.
I currently reside in Somerset, PA with my wife, Marie, and two sons, Aiden (10) and
James (5). My wife is an educator heading into her 20th year at Somerset Area. When not on
the JMS campus, I coach an array of youth sports in which both of my sons participate. In our
not-so-frequent downtime, the Houston clan enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, and spending
time with family.
Since becoming a father a mere decade ago, I have grown both personally and
professionally. Seeing the world through a different lens as a parent has molded me into the
type of administrator I always wanted to be, and one Trojan nation will be proud. As we grow
together, building a positive school climate, rest assured that my passion for leading both
students and staff is my top priority with the highest of expectations.