Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship names new principal

Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship has appointed a new principal.

Jessica Zuk, who is the school’s director of curriculum and instruction and MicroSociety coordinator, will assume her new position July 1. The charter school announced the hire June 9 in a press release.

Zuk succeeds Tamara Allen-Thomas, who was named the superintendent for the Clairton City School District. Allen-Thomas had served as principal for the PHCSE since 2013.

Zuk said it is an honor to be transitioning into a new role.

“I feel honored and privileged to be given this opportunity to follow in Dr. Thomas’ path,” Zuk said. “She led an amazing path for the school, and I look forward to filling this role and continuing to grow and develop the school.”

Allen-Thomas said she is confident Zuk will continue to carry out the school’s mission and vision. She said she is excited to see what Zuk does in this next phase of her career.

“Mrs. Zuk has demonstrated her commitment to PHCSE through introducing strong academic programs and facilitating our MicroSociety partnerships. Mrs. Zuk is fair and firm when working with staff, scholars and families,” Allen-Thomas said in the press release.

In the press release, PHCSE CEO Wayne Jones said Zuk played an integral role at the school, and having her transition to the principal position will help ensure the school continues to have quality and productive staff members.

“Mrs. Zuk has been a part of our leadership team, helping to create the programs, systems and learning environment that makes our school a success,” Jones said. “I am excited to work alongside her to maintain and expand what we as a school have discovered works best in developing future leaders.”

Zuk has worked at the charter school since it opened its doors in 2011. She taught in classrooms before moving into her current role in 2015. She went back to school to earn her administration certification in 2018. Zuk wanted to apply what she had learned, and the chance came when she heard the announcement of Allen-Thomas’ departure.

“I definitely expressed my interest to support the charter school in a different role,” she said. “I felt I was adequate and prepared for the role.”

Zuk said she looks forward to advancing the school as it adds new initiatives, including its community garden and a second floor to grow the school population.

“I look forward to furthering that program and continuing to bring community into our school,” she said.