John Kaib, Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds
l l l MeetAlumna Monica Meyer Beale haler area school district SHALER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
SHALER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
l l l MeetOurTeam
John Kaib, Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds
When students arrive at school to learn, they are greeted with a warm, welcoming environment. From the lawns outside to the hallways and classrooms, there’ s a positive context for learning. A dedicated team works year-round to tend to the maintenance needs of our schools, headed by John Kaib, Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds. Kaib explains,“ Priorities are to create a place that is comfortable, safe, and in working order. We try to create a place not just for children, but a place for the whole community that is maintained in a way that makes you feel welcome and at home.”
Kaib has worked in the district for 3 decades, and previously worked in maintenance and Parks and Recreation for Allegheny County. Kaib enjoys the variety of work in his role.“ Every day is different,” he notes. Kaib resides in Reserve Township, where he has held a seat on the board of commissioners for 13 years. When he is not at work, Kaib enjoys spending time with his family and grandchildren, fishing, and listening to live music.
l l l MeetAlumna Monica Meyer Beale haler area school district SHALER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
This spring, Shaler Area High School alumna Monica Meyer Beale( class of 2003) was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra( PSO). Meyer Beale, who holds a BA in music and an MBA, has long united music and financial leadership. She previously served as Vice President of Advancement for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and as the Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer for the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. She reflects,“ My love for music was the constant melody, but the administrative side, the‘ behind-the-scenes’ magic, really captured my imagination. Seeing how organizations like the PSO connected artists and audiences, built communities, and preserved cultural treasures— that’ s where I found my calling. Plus, my mom’ s career at the PSO was a huge influence. I saw firsthand how rewarding it could be to support the arts.”
Many of the professional and interpersonal skills that are integral to her job were developed while a student in the Shaler Area School District. Meyer Beale recalls,“ Looking back, my time at Shaler Area was a whirlwind of activity, and I wouldn’ t have it any other way! Being deeply involved in chorus, band, musicals, and as a majorette taught me important lessons about discipline, time management, and the power of collaboration. Balancing rehearsals, performances, and academics instilled a strong work ethic that has served me incredibly well. It wasn’ t just about academics; it was about teamwork, perseverance, and building connections within those diverse groups. Those foundational skills have been invaluable in my career. Plus, I think the diverse experiences I had at Shaler helped me appreciate the importance of different perspectives, and the value of being part of a team, which is crucial in my line of work.”
Guys with Ties: Knot Your Average Primary School Program
Third-grade students at Scott Primary School gather each spring for the beloved program Guys with Ties. Facilitated by Maryann Swartz and led by teachers Steve Seidelson and Tim Rowe, Guys with Ties cultivates social and professional skills. Over the course of six sessions, students and mentors gather in the library for lunch to connect and learn new skills. The young people are encouraged to eat lunch with students they don’ t know, practicing interpersonal skills and getting to know peers they haven’ t yet met. Each session also focuses on a professional skill, like a proper handshake, good manners, or how to tie a tie.
Students apply their skills by donning their ties and greeting younger students and staff members. These interactions are a highlight for Seidelson, who shares,“ my
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favorite part of the group is how the students get noticed by the other staff members or younger students. I really enjoy when they’ re acknowledged for giving the appropriate greeting and setting a good example for the younger students in our building. This year we also had over ten of the boys achieve tying a tie on their own, which I don’ t think I could’ ve done in third grade.”