Leechburg Area superintendent announces resignation, is hired by the Penn-Trafford School District

Leechburg Area School District is losing its superintendent of seven years.

Tiffany Nix submitted a letter of resignation Thursday announcing she accepted a post as assistant superintendent with the Penn-Trafford School District.

“We’re very happy that Dr. Nix will be joining the Penn-Trafford team,” said Penn-Trafford Superintendent Matthew Harris. “She has shown compassion, kindness and enthusiasm and will be a great fit for our school district.”

Nix was unanimously appointed by the Penn-Trafford School Board during a special meeting Wednesday.

In her resignation letter to the board Thursday, Nix wrote she was announcing her resignation with a “heavy heart,” adding the “stars aligned for me” and she had to take “this amazing opportunity.”

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the students, staff and community of Gilpin, Leechburg and West Leechburg. I’m leaving with pride knowing how far we have come and what we have accomplished, which is nothing short of miraculous. Our staff, every last one of them, is truly magical. They are here because they care. I stayed because I care,” Nix wrote. “Our students need your continued support. I wish this district nothing but the best. I will continue to advocate for our small school. I leave with my heart bursting for the blue-and-white. Once a Blue Devil, always a Blue Devil.”

Nix declined further comment.

Leechburg Area High School Principal Doug Rodgers said Thursday it was an honor working with Nix.

“We always took a team approach to making decisions that were in the best interest of the kids,” Rodgers said. “I learned a lot from her in a professional setting, and also consider her a great friend. She will be missed by all members of the school.”

Harris praised Nix’s background as a counselor and social worker.

“That speaks to her character,” Harris said. “Her experience as a high school principal and superintendent will help our school district grow and continue to be a high-performing school district. I am very excited about working with her.”

Nix’s annual salary at Penn-Trafford will be $155,000.

Penn-Trafford has an enrollment of about 3,800 students on eight campuses. The district serves Trafford, Penn Borough, Penn Township, Manor and Harrison City.

Leechburg Area hired Nix in 2016. Her annual salary there was approved at more than $143,000 in 2021.

She previously served as principal of Riverview High School.

During her tenure at Leechburg, David Leech Elementary School was named a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, one of 13 recognized in Pennsylvania.

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review

Leechburg Area Superintendent Tiffany Nix welcomes back students in August 2022 at the high school.

School Director Candi Stewart described Nix as “difficult to replace.”

“It is unfortunate that the direction of our board members are taking led to Dr. Nix’s resignation,” Stewart said. “She has been a tremendous asset to our district.”

School board President Ashley Coudriet did not respond to requests for comment.

Board member Melanie Knight described Nix as a “huge asset” to the district and said Thursday that Nix’s decision to leave the district wasn’t a surprise.

“Our superintendent has done so many great things for our students, the entire district and our community,” Knight said. “I support public education 100%. It’s no secret to anyone that I oppose losing her. I hope that the true best interest of the students are not ignored for the ambition of others who remain here.”

Former board member Roxanne Thompson expressed disappointment over the news of Nix’s impending departure.

“I’m beyond sickened by blatant attacks on Dr. Nix,” Thompson said. “The amount of accomplishments this woman has brought to our district is immeasurable. Her absence will be greatly missed.”

As of Thursday, no information was released on who will be appointed interim superintendent.

Former board member Neill Brady noted the district rose from the bottom 15% in academic performance to the top 30% during Nix’s tenure.

School Director Darius Lovelace said he received a text from Nix on Wednesday evening that said she planned to resign.

“I’m was surprised to hear she was going. It started last year and there was stuff going on then with her — some board members voted … to give her a satisfactory rating,” Lovelace said. “They were always trying to find fault with what Nix was doing.

“When this new board came on and got this new solicitor, I figured something was up. They ran on transparency, but what they have done so far doesn’t show transparency.

“She did a great service to the district. She was bringing the district up (to) the 21st century — working to bring us up to speed to make us competitive with other surrounding districts.”

New board member Joseph Lepish of Gilpin heard about Nix’s resignation an hour before receiving her email.

“I thought she did an excellent job. I personally didn’t have any issues with Nix, even prior to getting on the school board,” Lepish said. “I was looking forward to working with her. I’m as shocked as everyone.”

Details on what’s next in regards to replacing Nix remained unclear Thursday.

“I’m unsure of who the interim superintendent will be. We, as a board, will have to look at all the options and decide as a team,” said vice-president board member Andrew Pallus.

Pallus said he was sad to hear of Nix’s impending departure.

“She was my superintendent when I was in school and she was an excellent asset to our district. She’ll be hard to replace, that’s for sure,” Pallus said.