New principal appointed for Neil Armstrong Middle School
Courtesy of Bethel Park School District
Neil Armstrong Middle School has a new principal.
The Bethel Park School Board unanimously appointed Lisa Miracle Volpe to the position at its Nov. 14 meeting.
Miracle-Volpe comes to Bethel Park from the McKeesport Area School District, where she is in her second year as the principal of Francis McClure Elementary School. She was the school’s assistant principal for six years. Miracle-Volpe was an educator for 12 years before transitioning to her administrative role.
According to a school district press release, the Duquesne University alumna has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership capabilities, having gained extensive experience in various areas during the pandemic, including professional development and addressing the challenges of virtual learning and in-person scheduling and safety.
One notable achievement under Miracle-Volpe’s leadership was transforming the school library into a Flux Space for students, showcasing her commitment to providing an enriching and innovative learning environment.
“I am excited to bring my skills and passion to Neil Armstrong Middle School, where I hope to contribute to an environment where students can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally,” Miracle-Volpe said.
Miracle-Volpe currently oversees a kindergarten through fifth grade building of 700 students, three administrators, and more than 100 staff members. Her responsibilities have encompassed various tasks, including family and student relationship building, scheduling, budgeting, staffing, event planning, creating and sustaining partnerships with external organizations, discipline, professional development, public relations, and technology management.
“We are excited to have such an experienced, charismatic educational leader like Mrs. Miracle-Volpe join our Bethel Park administrative team,” said Superintendent James Walsh. “It was clear during our conversations that Lisa has a great vision; we look forward to seeing Neil Armstrong Middle School flourish under her leadership.”
Miracle Volpe succeeds Kenneth Patterson, who left Bethel Park for a similar position in the Ringgold School District earlier this year. Tim Beck has served as acting principal and will continue in that role until Miracle-Volpe transitions to her new school district, likely in January.