Plum School District fills 2nd administrative role from within its ranks

Following the naming of a new superintendent in July, the Plum School District named a new assistant superintendent, again from within the district.

The school board approved hiring Ashley Boyers, principal of Plum Middle School for the past four years, as the district’s new assistant superintendent.

Boyers was given a five-year contract with a starting salary of $140,000. His salary as middle school principal was most recently $125,160.

According to the district, Boyers will serve as both assistant superintendent and middle school principal during the opening of the 2023-24 school year, which starts Wednesday, and until a replacement is hired.

“I am excited to continue my leadership role in the Plum Borough School District,” Boyers said. “I am dedicated to serving our students, faculty, and the community. I am confident that our leadership team will continue to work tirelessly to exceptionally prepare our students for success.”

Boyers’ promotion follows that of Rick Walsh, the district’s former assistant and deputy superintendent, to superintendent. He replaced Brendan Hyland, who resigned in June to become superintendent of the North Allegheny School District.

Boyers has more than 10 years of administrative experience. He started his career as cyber coordinator and then high school assistant principal for the Blackhawk School District, followed by being an assistant principal at Pine-Richland Middle School.

He was hired as middle school principal in Plum in 2018, with a starting salary of $107,000.

“Making a transition with someone like Ashley gives us the continuity of a familiar face and someone who already knows and lives our mission,” school board President Michael Devine said. “Ashley has always been a student-first principal, and my expectations are that he will continue this vision that he can now cast throughout the district, as his focus will move from a single school. I could not be more excited to welcome him into this role.”

Boyers received a bachelor of arts in elementary and special education from Waynesburg College and a master of education in administrative leadership and policy studies from the University of Pittsburgh, where he also received his principal certification.

He earned a doctor of education degree in leadership and administration and his superintendent letter of eligibility from Point Park University.

High school principal resigns

The Plum School Board accepted the resignation of high school Principal Heather Hibner.

Hibner followed Hyland in leaving Plum for North Allegheny. Earlier this month, the school board there hired her as principal of North Allegheny Intermediate High School.

Hibner’s starting salary at North Allegheny was set at $139,700.

Information on replacing Hibner will be provided during the Sept. 12 school board meeting, Walsh said.