O’Rourke returning to Upper St. Clair School District
Upper St. Clair school directors voted to name Daniel O’Rourke temporary assistant principal at Boyce Middle School through Dec. 31, 2015. O’Rourke will take over as Boyce Middle School Principal on Jan. 1, 2016, filling the vacancy that will be created when current Boyce Middle School principal Amy Pfender starts her new job as USC’s director of student support services.
O’Rourke comes back to Upper St. Clair after spending two and a half years as assistant principal at North Allegheny’s Carson Middle School. Prior to that position, he was a social studies teacher at Fort Couch Middle School.
“It’s an honor and privilege to come back,” O’Rourke said. “It’s great to be home.”
O’Rourke earned his bachelor’s degree in integrated social studies education from Ohio University and his master’s degree and principal’s certification from the University of Pittsburgh.
At the same meeting, administrators continued a review of the district’s strategic planning goals with presentations on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Manufacturing) and PLC (Professional Learning Communities). Goals for Safety and Security, the High School Experience and Technology Vision were presented at the board’s Nov. 9 committee meeting.
A vote to adopt the goals is expected in January.
Among the commendations and recognitions presented during the meeting was one for Alex Shefler, a senior member of the high school mathematics department, who recently received the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award. In recognition of the influence teachers have on their students through excellent teaching and mentorship, the Office of College Admissions grants the Outstanding Educator Award to teachers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the education and personal development of their students. A former student nominated Shefler for the award.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick O’Toole recognized Lou Oliverio for his four years of service on the school board. Oliverio did not choose to run for school board in this year’s elections.