The Deer Lakes School District added a new member to its administration team.
On Feb. 17, the school board unanimously voted to hire Beth Hutson of Oakmont as the district’s assistant superintendent. According to her contract, posted on the board’s BoardDocs page, she will begin the position with a starting salary of $145,000. She starts March 5.
Hutson is coming from the Mt. Pleasant Area School District, where she also has served as assistant superintendent.
“I am truly honored and excited to join the Deer Lakes School District as assistant superintendent,” Hutson said in an email to TribLive. “From my earliest conversations with district leadership, it was clear that Deer Lakes and I share a strong alignment of values and aspirations — particularly a commitment to future-focused schools that prepare students not only academically, but holistically for success in life, school and work.”
According to a statement from the district, Hutson has more than two decades of experience in public education. She has been part of the School Superintendents Association and Learning 2025 Commission, and she led the development of Mt. Pleasant Area’s “Profile of a Viking Learner.”
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Hutson to the Deer Lakes School District,” Superintendent Janell Logue-Belden said. “Dr. Hutson’s expertise in education and student-centered focus will be invaluable in continuing to strengthen the district’s curriculum and teaching strategies, resulting in greater student outcomes.”
She also established Portals Project, a partnership with Case Technologies, Carnegie Mellon University and Epic Games, which utilized 3D digital imaging for historical preservation. The project was recognized by the state Department of Education as an exemplary model.
“I am inspired by the district’s dedication to developing the critical skills and dispositions students need in a rapidly changing world, including critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability and responsible citizenship,” Hutson said. “Deer Lakes’ emphasis on both excellence and opportunity reflects a deep understanding that education today must equip learners to thrive in multiple pathways after graduation.”
Hutson also launched an Aspiring Educators program in partnership with the Westmoreland County Career and Technology Center intended to help address teacher shortages. She has experience designing a multi-tiered system of support frameworks, leading professional learning and securing multimillion-dollar grants.
Hutson earned a doctorate in education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from the University of Pittsburgh.
“I look forward to listening, learning from the community and working in partnership with the Board of School Directors, staff, students and families to build on the district’s strong foundation,” Hutson said. “It is a privilege to serve a community that clearly values both tradition and innovation, and I am eager to support continued growth and success for every learner.”
