Greensburg Salem School District Superintendent Kenneth Bissell will leave the district after this summer for a job in the Fox Chapel Area School District.
At a special meeting Wednesday night, the board voted to keep Bissell on as acting superintendent through Aug. 31 — his contract is set to expire June 30 — and to advertise a vacancy for his position.
“With the exception of about four months, I’ve spent my entire career and gained all of my experience through the Greensburg Salem School District,” Bissell told TribLive. “This district means the world to me. It’s a phenomenal place, and I’m forever grateful for everything it’s offered my family and me.”
Bissell said he is taking over as executive director for secondary education at Fox Chapel .
“Professionally, the opportunity to go to another district of a very high caliber gives me the chance to learn and grow,” Bissell said. “I’ve had the chance to serve here as superintendent for four years, really five if you include one year as an interim, and I’ve learned a tremendous amount.”
Bissell started his career with Greensburg Salem in 2004 as a social studies teacher.
“I wasn’t necessarily looking to leave and go anywhere else, but it was an opportunity for both me and my family that I couldn’t pass up,” he said.
The board voted unanimously to appoint Bissell acting superintendent through Aug. 31 at a rate of just under $608 per day. The contract can be terminated on 14 days’ notice by either Bissell or the board. Board members also voted unanimously to advertise the superintendent vacancy and begin a search for Bissell’s replacement.
“It’s bittersweet,” Bissell said. “But I think I can bring a lot of great experience to Fox Chapel.”