Plum School District hires director of facilities

Plum Borough School District has new leadership managing its facilities.

Shelley Shaffer was introduced at last month’s school board meeting as the new Director of Facilities and Grounds.

Shaffer previously held similar positions at Westmoreland County Community College, Shepherd University, Saint Vincent College and Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

“We’re thrilled to have Shelley join our team,” said Plum Superintendent Rick A. Walsh. “Her extensive experience and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to maintain and improve our school facilities for the benefit or our students, staff and community.”

Shaffer’s hiring was effective April 15 at an annual salary of $85,000.

“I’m excited to join the Plum Borough School District and to contribute to the ongoing success of our schools,” Shaffer said. “I look forward to working with the dedicated staff and community members to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.”

Shaffer graduated from Clarion University, and her background includes short- and long-range planning, budgeting, preventative maintenance, overseeing maintenance and custodial staff, and project management.

Shaffer’s duties will entail overseeing all aspects of district facilities, including renovations, repairs and maintenance, with a goal of ensuring all facilities are clean, safe and conducive to learning.

The district has two elementary schools, an intermediate school, a middle school and a senior high school and serves close to 3,600 students with a staff of more than 450.

A facilities assessment completed in 2023 by Hayes Design Group Architects and Weber Murphy Fox identified $63.7 million in recommended work for two schools, Plum Middle School and O’Block Elementary.

The school board began reviewing details of possible renovations last December, including a recommended $28.2 million project at O’Block Elementary and $38.8 million in renovations and additions to Plum Middle School, as well as new construction and renovations at Pivik Elementary totaling about $1.5 million.