groups , all of those groups are made up of parents who are dedicated not only to their children , because there are people who are volunteering with those groups that don ’ t necessarily have children here in the district anymore , but are committed to our school community .

The final aspect that stands out , and I ’ ve thought this for many years , is we value academic achievement . This is an area that we hold high and have high standards . We also value looking at the whole child and making sure social health , mental health , all of those things are a part of achievement within the district . We do not just focus on the standardized test scores . It ’ s about looking at the whole child , looking at our extracurricular activities , and really providing an experience for children , that they can be successful in whatever they choose .

What are some potential short and long term priorities or initiatives , once you get started as superintendent ?

The district has to put together a comprehensive plan . A short-term goal is putting together a comprehensive plan , which is really going to be our long-term plan over the course of the next five years . I will work with the administrators , the assistant superintendents and the school board in developing the comprehensive plan . The plan will be one of the first initiatives and that will lead back to the collaboration piece because you have business , community , parents , students , all involved in that process . The plan will cover academic achievement and all the different areas and departments within the district . The goal will be to use this as a working document that lasts over that five-year period of time that ’ s continuously updated , that will allow us to plan the next five years . This will be a critical piece of what we do in the district .

Another short-term goal will be to get out into the community and meet with a variety of organizations . So , whether it be the Chamber of Commerce , a borough planning meeting , Rotary , any number of those meetings , where we can start making connections with the community is going to be really important . Making connections with our emergency management personnel and chiefs of police and fire departments ; those are all important connections .

Finally , getting to know the staff will be a priority . It ’ s important to me to get to know the staff , the teachers and students . Getting to know people - who they are , what they

teach , what are their goals ? Knowing people is an important piece of everyone effectively working together .

Were there any teachers as you came up through West Jefferson Hills as a student that sparked your interest in becoming an educator ?

I had an elementary school teacher that I really liked – Mrs . ( Sue ) Startari . And I just remember from early on in elementary school that she had a way about her that was caring and nurturing . You wanted to tell her the good things you were doing , and she made you feel good about it . She taught and you learned from her and what she taught she did in a creative and engaging way .

I was in the band ( clarinet , oboe and mellophone ). So I had Mr . DeFade , Mr . Slate , and Mr . Sellaro , they were my middle / high school band teachers . I clearly remember those experiences . My first band concert and how nervous I was and how proud my parents were is a clear early memory from my schooling . Those types of experiences have a big impact , because it ’ s something that you remember 25 years later and longer .

I had an English teacher at the high school , Ruth Weingart . I remember her and I believe I had her for my senior year of English . We read some books , I think “ Great Gatsby ” was one of them , “ To Kill a Mockingbird ” was another . And she was able to take some literature that on my own , I probably wouldn ’ t have read , but she made it interesting and fun and something enjoyable . I can see her sitting in her chair ; I remember that class and her impact .

Do you have a favorite memory or two from your time as a WJH student ?

I can start with the football games , because TJ is well known for their Friday night football games . I remember those from being in the band ; you marched and you cheered everybody on . As I think