When students return to school in Pine-Richland on Aug. 24, they’ll notice quite a few improvements in their schools and on the grounds, including a newly resurfaced track at Pine-Richland Stadium, HVAC upgrades at Pine-Richland Middle School and lighting upgrades throughout the district. There’s a new high school gymnasium, as well.
Three electric buses that debuted in May will continue in the fleet this school year, according to district director of communications Erin Hasinger.
There will be some new faces in the district this year, too. Among them are two new assistant principals for Eden Hall Upper Elementary School.
Emily Rose Dunker worked most recently as associate and acting principal at Carlynton Junior-Senior High School. She taught 10th grade communications at Freedom Area High School, and 10th and 12th grade English at North Catholic High School. She’s no stranger to Pine-Richland — Dunker completed her principal internship at Wexford Elementary in 2019.
“Throughout the interview process, Mrs. Dunker’s ability to make well-informed decisions involving various stakeholders, while focusing on alignment to the mission, vision and values, stood out,” said Colleen Berezo, principal of Eden Hall Upper Elementary. “With her unique background and experience, Mrs. Dunker has a strong understanding of ensuring school culture and academics effectively equip students for their future endeavors in middle school and beyond.”
Dunker will be joined by Zachary Rice, who most recently was the interim assistant principal at Hampton Middle School. Prior to that, he taught second and third grades in the district, as well as the Hampton Online Academy. He also taught second grade in Plum Borough School District and special education in Carlynton School District.
“I look forward to meeting and working with Eden Hall’s students, staff and community,” Rice said. “I consider it an honor to get to serve the community, and I will strive to work collaboratively with stakeholders to maintain a safe, welcoming and challenging learning environment.”
Dunker and Rice replace Paula Giran, who is the new principal at Hance Elementary, and Dr. Joseph Domagala, who is moving into a teaching position at Wexford and Hance.
Paula Giran moved from assistant principal at Eden Hall Upper Elementary School to principal at Hance Elementary School. Jake Cawley started as assistant principal at Pine-Richland High School in May.
At the Aug. 7 school board meeting, the board hired Christopher Juzwick as its new director of financial and operational services. Juzwick brings more than 20 years of financial experience, including more than five years working in public education. Currently the assistant director of finance for South Fayette Township School District, Juzwick also worked as the director of fiscal affairs and budget for Carlynton. He replaces Dana Kirk, who previously served in multiple financial positions for Pine-Richland.
“This year, the district will begin working toward the short- and long-term goals outlined in our new 2023-2027 strategic plan, which was developed during the last school year with input from more than 400 parents, students, alumni, staff, board members, administrators, community members and business owners,” Hasinger said. “The plan focuses on teaching and learning, student progress and engagement, workforce development, finance and operations, pursuit of excellence and communications.”
In terms of extracurricular activities, Hasinger said that the district offers nearly 90 high school and middle school clubs, activities and sports teams for students. Band camp started on Aug. 7 and fall athletic practices began on Aug. 14.