At their April 3rd meeting, the Shaler Area School District Board of School Directors named Dr. Bryan O’Black as its next Superintendent of Schools.
Dr. O’Black brings over 17 years of experience as an administrator—15 of which have been in Shaler Area, serving as Technology Director (2009–2012), Curriculum Director (2012–2015), Assistant Superintendent (2015–2021), and Deputy Superintendent (2021–present) with the Shaler Area School District. Throughout his time in the district, Dr. O’Black has been instrumental in planning and enriching professional development opportunities for district faculty; incorporating best practices for human resource management; enhancing school safety and security; facilitating the districts development of Portrait of a Graduate, which identifies the skills, dispositions, and competencies students need for success in this rapidly changing, complex world; and expanding the district’s use of innovative technology strategies to enhance instructional programs. “Dr. O’Black is not only highly regarded in education, he exemplifies what it means to be a Titan. He understands and embraces the values, priorities, and character of our Shaler Area community. Under Dr. O’Black’s leadership, Shaler Area can continue to build on our solid foundation and empower our students, faculty and staff to reach great heights,” said Dr. April Kwiatkowski, School Board President.
“It’s important during this time of transition to first express our gratitude for the leadership of Dr. Sean Aiken and the role he’s played in leading our district,” said Jim Tunstall, Vice President, Shaler Area School Board. “Among the many ways Dr. Aiken has propelled us forward is the depth to which he’s invested himself in the development of his colleagues. I believe Dr. O’Black is already extremely well prepared to step into the role of Superintendent. We’ve seen him as a proven leader and a strong presence in our schools and look forward to his ability to lead us into new directions.”
“I’ve had the pleasure to work side by side with Dr. O’Black for each one of the roles he’s served during his full history with the Shaler Area School District,” said Craig Wells, President of the Shaler Area Education Association . “It’s clear to me that we are well-aligned on a shared vision of ensuring that our kids are our number one priority in the work we do and at the forefront of every decision we make.”
Dr. Sean Aiken will remain in his position until the end of the school year and work with Dr. O’Black and the School Board to ensure a seamless transition. Dr. O’Black will assume his duties as Superintendent July 1, 2024.
Dr. O’Black is an active member of the PA Association of School Administrators Legislative Committee (PASA); Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools; AASA Learning 2025 Alliance; and serves on the Advisory Board for the University of Pittsburgh College in High School Program. He is currently the president of the Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (PASCD).
Dr. O’Black serves as an Adjunct Professor in the College of Education at Penn State University.
Well regarded by his colleagues, Dr. O’Black’s work has been previously recognized by the National School Boards Association as a “20 to Watch” recipient in 2015, and by the University Council on Educational Administration (UCEA) with the Excellence in Educational Leadership award in 2019. Additionally, Dr. O’Black was a 2018-19 fellow for the Pennsylvania Educational Policy Leadership Center (EPLC) and 2023 Advanced Educational Policy Fellow.
Dr. O’Black received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, master’s degree in school administration, doctorate in educational leadership, and superintendent’s letter of eligibility, all from Duquesne University.
“I am humbled to be named Superintendent of Schools for the Shaler Area School District. Being selected to lead this district is an honor. Dr. Aiken is a valued mentor, colleague, and friend. Under his capable leadership, I have learned a great deal and his character and principles will inform and enrich my work as I focus on continuing the positive trajectory we’ve cultivated together. I have a deep respect for our community and gratitude for the educators I work alongside. Together, we can ensure our students have the resources and opportunities they need to imagine, grow, create, and thrive,” shared Dr. O’Black.
In the coming months, Dr. O’Black will be hosting a variety of events for students, staff, and community members designed to foster ongoing dialogue about the educational issues and concerns that are most important to the school district community.
