Estep Hired as New TASD Superintendent
New Tyrone Superintendent Leslie Estep
At last night’s Tyrone Area School Board meeting, current Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Acting Superintendent Leslie Estep officially became Tyrone’s next superintendent.
“This will unquestionably be a challenging appointment as there will be much to be accomplished as we reach the recovery phase of this pandemic,” said Business Manager and Board Secretary John Clark.
This will unquestionably be a challenging appointment as there will be much to be accomplished as we reach the recovery phase of this pandemic
— TASD Business Manager John Clark
Since former superintendent Cathy Harlow retired at the end of the 2018-2019 school year, the district has conducted two unsuccessful searches for a new superintendent.
The Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) first conducted an unsuccessful search in the spring of 2019. The TASD Board then decided to put a temporary hold on filling the position, and named Estep as the acting superintendent in the interim.
Another search occurred locally beginning in January 2020 with the assistance of former TASD Superintendent Dr. William Miller and a committee of employees and community members.
The local committee interviewed and agreed on two possible candidates this spring, however the board could not agree to terms of employment with their first choice candidate and in the mean time the other candidate withdrew from the process.
The board then approached Estep to reconsider her decision to not apply for the position. She agreed to apply and was elected to a five year term as Superintendent of Schools at its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 12.
Estep has previously served the district as the acting superintendent, director of curriculum and instruction, middle school principal, and middle and high school social studies teacher.
She will step down from her position as Curriculum Director and a search for a new Director of Curriculum will begin soon.
Estep was not immediately available for comment but we will follow up this story with an interview and reaction from faculty, students and board members in an upcoming story.
In the coming months, the district will face many difficult decisions, but for now, it has one less decision to make. The Tyrone Area School District now has a new superintendent.
Mario is a Senior at Tyrone Area High school. If you were to see Mario in the hallway you would first notice his messy hair which wouldn't look out of...
Jim Butler • May 21, 2020 at 10:10 pm
This district needs you & wants you in the Superintendent’s position. Personally I ‘m so happy you have accepted the challenge of directing the education of my grandchildren and every other parent’s and grandparent’s kids. We are lucky to have you accept the challenge. I have TOTAL confidence in your administration. The TASD could in no way be in better hands. God Bless You! Sincerely, Jim Butler
Lucia Isenberg • May 14, 2020 at 9:21 am
Great article Mario! I think you’re a great journalist?
Steve Hoover • May 14, 2020 at 1:22 am
The last paragraph is not necessary. If you are aspiring to be a journalist, you need to know the difference between news an editorial. Otherwise, it was a fine article.