Dear Shaler Area Families,

As we begin final preparations to welcome our students back for the 2024-2025 school year, I wanted to share with our High School families an important update regarding our high school leadership. High School Principal Dr. Timothy Royall will be taking a leave of absence starting this school year. We extend our gratitude for his dedicated service to the Shaler Area School District community and wish him well during this time.

We are  pleased to announce that Ms. JoAnne Townsend will serve as our Interim High School Principal. Ms. Townsend has been a valued member of our district for 20 years, having served the majority of her career as Assistant Principal at Shaler Area High School and as Interim Principal at the former Jeffery Primary School. She has played a crucial role in realizing our District’s mission through her dedication in developing individualized education programs to support all learners.  Ms. Townsend is well-acquainted with our school community and has a deep sense of Shaler Area pride.

Ms. Townsend’s extensive experience and dedication to educational excellence in Shaler Area will ensure a smooth transition and continued support for our students, staff, and families. We are confident that her leadership will uphold the high standards that our high school community is accustomed to.

To support Ms. Townsend and Mr. Misko, our current Assistant Principal, in their work, we have appointed Dr. Joe Merhaut as Interim Assistant Principal. Dr. Merhaut will be a familiar face returning to Shaler Area as he served as our interim Director of Student Services during the Fall 2023 term.  In addition to his work in Shaler Area, Dr. Merhaut served as  Director of Special Education at Duquesne City School District and as High School Principal in the Hampton Township School District.  This addition will help ensure that all aspects of school leadership continue to be effectively managed during this transition period.

We will be hosting our first Coffee and Conversation of the year on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. at Shaler Area High School.  This event will allow families to meet Ms. Townsend and our High School Leadership Team and learn more about their vision for Shaler Area High School .

We appreciate your understanding and support during this period of transition. Please be assured that your children are in extremely capable hands with our dedicated team of leaders.

Thank you for your continued partnership in our educational journey.

Yours in Education,

Bryan E. O’Black, Ed.D
Superintendent of Schools