est Allegheny
WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
2025-2026 WEST ALLEGHENY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Robert Ostrander, President
Tammy Adams McBain George Bartha Victoria Hatton Bozic Dr. Mildred L. Johnson
ADMINISTRATION Dr. Jerri Lynn Lippert, Superintendent
Dr. Christopher Shattuck, Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Shana Nelson, Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Learning
Dr. Lynn Utchell, Assistant to the Superintendent for Special Education and Student Services
Mr. George Safin, Director of Finance Dr. Cheryl McHone, High School Principal
Dr. Katharine Roche, Director of Special Projects and High School Academic Principal
Ms. Angel Washington, High School Assistant Principal
Mr. Jim Young, High School Assistant Principal
Mr. Matthew McBurney, High School Dean of Students and WAVA Coordinator
Mrs. Patricia Nolan, Middle School Principal
Dr. Julian Underwood, Middle School Assistant Principal
Mr. Gary Hutsler, Middle School Assistant Principal
Mr. Jonathan Denk, Middle School Dean of Students and Media Specialist
Dr. Erin Dierker, Donaldson Elementary Principal
Mrs. Melissa Wagner, McKee Elementary Principal
Tracy Pustover, Vice-President
Steven Pons Steven Psomas Seth Tomei
Dr. Rachel Gray, Wilson Elementary Principal Dr. Vladimir St. Surin, Director of Athletics
Mr. Kenneth Fibbi, Director of Facilities and Operations
Mr. Mark Romain, Facility Services Supervisor Mrs. Karen Ruhl, Communications Coordinator
This year, West Allegheny School District is celebrating our 75th school year. Over this time, our district has grown into a thriving educational community grounded in strong values, innovative teaching, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that each student is career and college ready providing a viable post-secondary pathway— truly embodying‘ A Tradition of Excellence, A Vision for Tomorrow’.
We are filled with pride and gratitude for all of the district’ s accomplishments, including two National Blue Ribbon Schools, all of our schools being top ranked by U. S. News & World Report in our region and state, multi-year state and national recognition for best music education and best visual arts programs, not to mention numerous WPIAL and PIAA athletic titles. Every success story, every milestone, and every act of kindness reflects the dedication of our students, staff, families, and community partners who make West Allegheny such an extraordinary place to learn and grow.
Our successes are guided by the District ' s Framework for Academic Excellence, which serves as our roadmap for continuous improvement and student success. This framework centers on three priorities:
1. Academic Rigor, Equity, and Excellence for All Students – Ensuring every student has access to rigorous, equitable academic opportunities and world-class instruction that prepares them for success in college, career, and life.
2. High-Quality Instruction in Every Classroom, Every Day – Providing each student with a highly effective teacher who challenges, supports, and inspires learning within a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment.
3. Family Engagement, Financial Responsibility, and Operational Efficiency – Strengthening partnerships with families and our community while maintaining the responsible stewardship of resources that allows us to deliver exceptional programs and services to our students.
Our continued success reflects the voices of our students, staff, and families. Through thoughtful planning and collaboration, I am confident our students will continue to excel in academics, arts and athletics. Further, we are steadfast in our commitment to enhance programs and expand opportunities to continue our tradition of excellence and offer our students a world-class education preparing them for their futures.
As superintendent, I am proud to serve the West Allegheny community alongside a dedicated leadership team and an incredible staff that cares deeply for our students and supports every student’ s success.
Warm regards, Dr. Jerri Lynn Lippert Superintendent of Schools
Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence— Building the Future, Together
30 WEST ALLEGHENY