School District
McKeesport Area
School District
Former Social Studies Teacher and Coach Becomes New Athletic Director for MASD
Beginning March 16, 2026, Adam Shaffer moved from the classroom after 10 years to the Athletic Department chair, replacing Charley Kiss who served 23 years as MASD’ s Athletic Director. Shaffer had worked with Kiss as a game manager and in event supervision. Prior to that, Shaffer also coached for 5 years as the Hempfield Varsity Head Coach for Girls’ Soccer. He explained that while at Hempfield coaching, he also worked with their Athletic Director in several roles.
When Kiss announced his resignation to work in the private sector, Shaffer was ready to apply and move into a new role for the McKeesport Area School District. He loves teaching and said that the new positions will enable him to use what he’ s learned as a teacher and coach to add to his management abilities.“ Mr. Kiss had 23 years here and laid a solid foundation for athletics.” Shaffer said, adding,“ I want to take that and use my educational background to further grow our student athletes.” One change
MCKEESPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
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MCKEESPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Athletic Director Adam Shaffer moved from the classroom to the Athletic Office this spring.
Shaffer instituted after spring break is to offer a lunch-time study hall for student athletes so they can get the mentoring help they need before leaving school for a game or practice.“ Later in the day-- after school-- doesn’ t work as well if you’ re involved in athletics.” Shaffer explained.“ We thought the lunchtime assistance may be better for the student athletes.”
Looking at the whole student, Shaffer would like to be“ proactive rather than reactive. If we see that we can make a difference by starting something for the students, then we should
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New Athletic Director shows his son Jordan around.
do that.” Shaffer explained that his role is for athletics in middle school and high school. During elementary school, there are youth organizations in the community that encourage elementary involvement. Once the students get involved, they will have a variety of selections of sports in middle and high school.
Shaffer said that if he had been asked if his career would take a turn like this, he said,“ I always wanted to be a teacher because I had so many teachers who had an impact on me. I think this will be just as impactful.” After teaching a core class of world history for tenth graders, and an elective for local history and psychology, Shaffer has had the chance to have an impact on many high school students the past 10 years.
Shaffer looks forward to reviewing and assessing the landscape of the athletic department with current coaches, as well as working with the school board to recommend new coaches and opportunities in the district.
He and his wife Natalie, who also is a school teacher, live in the MASD and have a son, Jordan, who just turned 1 this year. A native of N. Huntingdon, Shaffer is a Norwin High School and Indiana University of PA alum.