Greensburg Salem School Board picks acting superintendent to continue as head administrator

Greensburg Salem School Board has filled the position of district superintendent by turning to the man who has served in that role on an acting basis since July.

The board voted unanimously Wednesday to appoint Ken Bissell as superintendent for a term of up to five years, with a starting salary not to exceed $144,000, subject to him signing a formal contract.

Bissell, who has been employed at the district for 18 years, was among three finalists during a recent superintendent candidate search.

Jeff Metrosky, vice president of the board, said Bissell is “a hard worker and a very bright man. Most importantly, he’s a good, decent family man, which is very important to a lot of jobs, that one in particular.

“He’s performed very well and kept the board informed of topics as they came to light. it will be a learning experience for both Ken and the board to adjust to each other. I’m very anxious to be supportive.”

“I’m very thankful for this board and this community,” said Bissell. “Greensburg Salem is really a home for me and my family. It’s a part of us.

“This is a place that took a chance on me 18 years ago. It’s the people here who have put us in such a great place.”

Bissell credited previous leaders at Greensburg Salem for beginning decades ago to explore research-based educational models, a process that is continuing as the district works gradually to implement standards-based learning.

“I think we have the people who can continue that and grow that,” he said

Bissell explained standards-based learning takes into account that “not all kids learn the same way, and not all kids learn at the same pace.

“It’s not focused on standardized testing. It’s focused on looking at the standards, measuring where each individual is and getting them to learn and grow. It’s moving more to a personalized learning experience than a one-size-fits-all. It’s a big learning curve for teachers, administrators and the community.”

Bissell started his career at Greensburg Salem as a social studies instructor and became assistant principal at the middle school in 2009. In 2012, he moved to the central administration office, as coordinator of secondary education, a position in which he’s continued. Bissell holds a doctorate in education from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in geography and planning from Appalachian State University in North Carolina.

His predecessor as superintendent was Gary Peiffer, who resigned in July to become superintendent at Chartiers-Houston School District in Washington County.

With the departure of business manager J.R. Dzurica for a similar post at Mt. Pleasant Area School District, the Greensburg Salem board appointed Mike Gigliotti as interim business manager, working part-time as needed. Retired as the business manager at Woodland Hills School District, Gigliotti previously worked at Belle Vernon Area School District.

His services at Greensburg Salem were arranged through the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials, at a salary of $625 per day.

Hiring of an ultimate replacement for Dzurica was “put on hold until the new superintendent was hired, so the superintendent could be involved in the search,” said school board member Robin Savage. “The business manager works closely with the superintendent.”

Larry George, director of informational services, was named pro tem board secretary, an additional post held by Dzurica.

Completing their final school board meetings were longtime member and President Ron Mellinger, who didn’t seek reelection, and Lynna Thomas, who fell short in her bid for a second term.

Metrosky praised Thomas for her work representing the school board on other educational panels including the Greensburg Salem Education Foundation and the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit. She “worked tirelessly to make Greensburg Salem a better place,” he said.

Mellinger, who represented the board on the Greensburg Community Development Corporation and the district negotiating committee, attended “many late night sessions, sometimes lasting into the the early morning hours,” said Metrosky.

Mellinger said he will miss serving on the school board after two decades on the panel. “It becomes part of you after a while,” he said.

He said Greensburg Salem has “a smart board, a great board,” reminding members to “think about the children and the taxpayers. Do what’s right.”