Welcome Message
Ms. JoAnne M Townsend
Principal
412-492-1200 x 1500
townsendj@shalerarea.org
Dear Shaler Area High School Families,
It is with great pride and excitement that I welcome you to the 2026–2027 school year. I am honored to continue serving as the Principal of Shaler Area High School, a school community I have proudly called home for more than two decades. Throughout my time in Shaler Area, I have remained deeply committed to the success and well-being of our students, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue leading such an outstanding staff, student body, and parent community.
As we begin another school year, I am thankful to continue working alongside an exceptional administrative team. Assistant Principal Mr. Ryan Duane enters his second year at Shaler Area High School, bringing a thoughtful, student-centered approach to leadership and a commitment to fostering academic excellence and meaningful relationships. We are also fortunate to welcome back Ms. Venice Piveronas, whose experience, dedication, and unwavering support of students continue to strengthen our school community. Rounding out our leadership team is Mr. Justin Eskra, our Dean of Students, whose commitment to building positive relationships with students and families continues to have a meaningful impact on our school culture.
At Shaler Area High School, our mission continues to be grounded in the values of PRIDE, RESPECT, and HONOR—the Titan Way. These values serve as the foundation for everything we do and help create a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed.
This year, we will continue to strengthen Titan PRIDE by encouraging every student to be present, engaged, respectful, and responsible while taking pride in themselves, their school, and one another. We are committed to fostering a culture where every student feels a sense of belonging, builds meaningful relationships, and understands that their contributions make our school community stronger. By working together as students, staff, and families, we will continue creating an environment where everyone is challenged to grow and supported in reaching their full potential.
Our work also continues to be helping students develop the communication, collaboration, critical thinking, adaptability, and personal responsibility skills necessary for success in college, career, military service, and life. These competencies are embedded throughout our academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and student experiences as we prepare every Titan for an ever-changing world.
As always, we remain focused on providing rigorous academic opportunities, expanding real-world learning experiences, celebrating student achievement, and building strong partnerships with our families. Together, we will continue to create an environment where students are challenged to grow, encouraged to lead, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. I look forward to another outstanding year as we continue working together to make Shaler Area High School a place where every Titan can learn, lead, and succeed.
With gratitude,
Mrs. JoAnne M. Townsend
Principal
Shaler Area High School
Mrs. JoAnne M. Townsend
Principal, Shaler Area High School
At Shaler Area High School, Mrs. JoAnne Townsend believes in creating a school culture where every student is seen, supported, and empowered. She is passionate about public education’s role in helping students grow not only academically, but also as individuals who demonstrate character, confidence, and compassion.
Since August 2024, Mrs. Townsend has served as Interim Principal of Shaler Area High School, bringing with her over 28 years of experience in public education. And now she is serving as Principal of Shaler Area High School. She has spent the majority of her career in the Shaler Area School District, including many years as Assistant Principal at the high school and previously as Interim Principal at Jeffery Primary School from 2016 to 2018. She has helped lead districtwide initiatives around academic scheduling, behavior supports, inclusive programming, and career readiness—all rooted in her commitment to the Titan values of PRIDE, RESPECT, and HONOR.
Mrs. Townsend earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her Master of Public Management in Educational Leadership from Carnegie Mellon University. She holds K–12 Principal and Human Resources certifications.
Outside of school, she enjoys spending time outdoors, relaxing at the beach, camping, and traveling. She also loves listening to live music with friends. Most of all, she treasures her time with her granddaughter, who affectionately calls her “Baba” which is short for “Obachan”—a Japanese term for grandmother that reflects a blend of family tradition and love.
Mr. Ryan Duane, Assistant Principal
This fall, Shaler Area High School welcomes a new assistant principal. Ryan Duane joined the leadership team, bringing with him a robust background in education, with experience in both instructional and administrative leadership roles. Mr. Duane is committed to providing a comprehensive education for all students. He reflects, “I believe every child possesses unique skills and talents, and our responsibility as educators is to help them identify and develop those strengths so they are well-positioned for future success. While mastery of core subjects is essential, I also believe it is just as important to provide opportunities for students to grow in their values, character, and sense of purpose. Education should prepare students not only for college or careers, but also for leading fulfilling lives and contributing positively to their communities.”
Prior to relocating to Pittsburgh with his family this summer, he served as Dean of Students at Eastern View High School in Culpeper County Public Schools. While at Culpeper he has led key initiatives in curriculum development, student discipline, and athletic administration—all while serving as a high school chemistry teacher and Assistant Athletic Director. Mr. Duane earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Science Education from the University of Pittsburgh. He holds an Educational Leadership Certification from Longwood University.
Mr. Duane shared, “I am excited to join a community with such a strong sense of pride and tradition of excellence. I look forward to working with and learning from Dr. O’Black, Mrs. Townsend, and the entire leadership team who have built such a strong foundation here. Most of all, I am eager to contribute meaningfully to the continued success of Shaler Area High School and to ensure it remains a place where all students can grow, achieve, and thrive.”
Mrs. Venice Piveronas, Interim Assistant Principal
Ms. Venice Piveronas believes that trust, structure, and compassion are essential to helping students thrive. She is deeply committed to creating school environments where both students and staff feel supported, safe, and capable of achieving their full potential.
A dedicated educator with nearly 20 years of service in the Shaler Area School District, Ms. Piveronas returned from retirement in 2025 to serve as Interim Principal of Scott Primary School before stepping into her current role at the high school. Prior to that, she served as Assistant Principal at Shaler Area Elementary School for over a decade, where she oversaw curriculum coordination, instructional support, safety procedures, and K–6 transitions. She also previously held roles as a Dean of Students, Graduation Project Coordinator, and high school English teacher.
Ms. Piveronas earned her Bachelor of Arts in English/Secondary Education from La Roche University, her Master of Education in Instructional Systems from Penn State University (World Campus), and K–12 Principal Certification from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Known for her steady leadership, Ms. Piveronas brings a strong work ethic and deep knowledge and experience to the high school. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, supporting her children and grandchildren, and staying connected to the Shaler Area community she has called home throughout her career.