Retirement has Plum School District searching for new assistant superintendent

One of Plum School District’s two assistant superintendents is retiring, so the district is looking for a replacement.

Denise Sedlacek will retire on Nov. 1, Superintendent Rick Walsh said.

Sedlacek, a resident of Allegheny Township, started her education career in 1984 and has been in administration since 1991.

She came to Plum in September 2019 from Baldwin-Whitehall, where she also was an assistant superintendent. As an assistant superintendent at Plum, she oversaw secondary grades and human resources.

The district’s other assistant superintendent is Ashley Boyers.

Sedlacek most recently was given a three-year contract in September 2023 that was retroactive to July 1 and good through June 30, 2026. At that time, she said her intention was to retire at the contract’s end in 2026.

Sedlacek could not be reached for comment on Friday.

Walsh said Sedlacek has served the district with exceptional dedication and professionalism and that she will be missed by colleagues, students and residents.

“Ms. Sedlacek’s leadership has been crucial in creating and implementing policies and procedures that foster a fair and equitable environment for all stakeholders,” he said. “Additionally, her unwavering efforts to ensure our teachers have the resources needed for the academic, social and emotional success of our students are a testament to her unwavering dedication.”

The district’s requirements for a new assistant superintendent include a master’s degree in educational leadership, although a doctorate is preferred, or in business administration or a related field and five years of principal or central office experience.

The district also wants its candidates to possess a proven student achievement record and experience in the leadership of curriculum, instruction and student assessment.