If all goes according to schedule, Chartiers Valley School District will have a permanent superintendent by October or November.
That’s the timeline set by the school board, as it voted Aug. 13 to have its interim superintendent, Joseph Dimperio, lead the superintendent search at an amount not to exceed $5,000.
The district set a flexible schedule that aims to have the superintendent job posting created in August, opportunities for people to give feedback in September, reviewing candidates and conducting interviews in September and October, and an anticipated hiring in October or November.
Chartiers Valley has been without a permanent superintendent since Johannah Vannata resigned to take a job as superintendent in the Blackhawk School District in February. After a search, the board considered hiring River Valley School District Superintendent Phil Martell in May, but he pulled his name from consideration before a vote could be taken.
Dimperio, of Mount Lebanon, was hired as interim superintendent in June at a rate of $725 per day, without pension or benefits withholding. He has more than 50 years of experience in public education in Western Pennsylvania and worked as superintendent for the West Mifflin and Ambridge school districts.
He retired in 2001 and has filled in as either acting or interim superintendent or led the superintendent searches at Peters Township, Carlynton, South Side Beaver, Allegheny Valley, Bethel Park, Sto-Rox and Upper St. Clair school districts.
Finance director hired
The school board filled a key administrative position at its Aug. 13 meeting.
Beth Wright, 41, was hired as the district’s director of finance and operations.
Prior to joining Chartiers Valley, Wright worked for Propel Charter Schools, with five years as its chief financial officer and one year as controller. Her previous work experience includes Rice Energy, now EQT, and 10 years in public accounting as a CPA. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in K-12 educational finance and accounting, so when the opportunity to work for a strong local district in a community that is focused on innovative student opportunities and educational rigor came around, it was an exciting move for me,” Wright said.
“My goals for CV are the same as I have held throughout my career: accurate, accountable and transparent financial budgeting and reporting. I hope to continue to take positive steps each year to create a responsible, strong operating position for the district while maintaining strong internal controls for the district.”
Wright succeeds Patricia Connolly, who took the same position at the Mt. Lebanon School District.
According to Wright’s contract, she will earn an initial base salary of $143,000. She is eligible for a 3% merit increase each year. The contract expires at the end of June 2029.
Sustainable staffing, curriculum analysis
The district will undergo two studies on its staffing and curriculum.
The board approved a proposal for a “Sustainable Staffing Report” done by JAB Consulting Services, LLC and CCHIN Consulting LLC for an amount not to exceed $12,800.
District spokeswoman Angela Conigliaro said the report will deliver data-informed opportunities and considerations for effective teacher staffing.
“The report will support decision-making to advance the district’s goals and desired outcomes for students as set forth in the district’s mission, vision and values statement. That aligns with the district’s desired outcomes for students and the goals of efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability,” Conigliaro said.
The board also moved forward with a proposal for a complete analysis of the district’s curriculum done by Tammie L. Burnaford for an amount not to exceed $10,000.
“It will provide a broad analysis of the written curriculum; the actual taught curriculum (courses); alignment to state standards; and recommendations on how best to deliver the curriculum through the most efficient, appropriate and best instructional practices,” Conigliaro said.
