Shaler Area School Board appoints Bryan O'Black as new superintendent

Shaler Area School Board members appointed a new superintendent at a special voting meeting on April 3.

Bryan O’Black was appointed in a 9-0 vote as superintendent of schools of the Shaler Area School District for a five-year term beginning July 1 and ending on June 30, 2029, at a starting annual salary of $176,000.

“Dr. O’Black is not only highly regarded in education, he exemplifies what it means to be a Titan,” school board president April Kwiatkowski said in a statement. “He understands and embraces the values, priorities and character of our Shaler Area community.”

O’Black has 17 years of administrative experience with the last 15 being in the Shaler Area district, “working in different capacities,” he said.

From 2009-12, he served as technology director until he began as the district’s curriculum director. He was in that position until 2015 when he began serving as assistant superintendent. Then in 2021, he began as deputy superintendent, a position he will continue to work until his new contract begins in the summer.

“I’m very excited,” O’Black said. “It’s great to be able to work with a school district that’s so steeped in pride.”

O’Black said that he anticipates challenges in the new role, but is confident about facing them with the help of a team he’s worked with for the last 15 years.

“I believe Dr. O’Black is already extremely well prepared to step into the role of superintendent,” school board vice president Jim Tunstall said in a statement. “We’ve seen him as a proven leader and a strong presence in our schools and look forward to his ability to lead us into new directions.”

O’Black said that board members determined that they were going to promote within the organization following Sean Aiken’s resignation in January.

He said that he was able to speak with board members and leaders about his goals to continue to evaluate district programs and see how to adapt each one to make sure it best fits student and staff needs.

Aiken will remain as acting superintendent until the end of the school year and work with O’Black and the school board members to help navigate the transition. O’Black will officially begin as superintendent on July 1.

“I am humbled to be named superintendent of schools for the Shaler Area School District,” O’Black said. “Being selected to lead this district is an honor. Dr. Aiken is a valued mentor, colleague and friend. Under his capable leadership, I have learned a great deal and his character and principles will inform and enrich my work as I focus on continuing the positive trajectory we’ve cultivated together. I have a deep respect for our community and gratitude for the educators I work alongside. Together, we can ensure our students have the resources and opportunities they need to imagine, grow, create and thrive.”

In the coming months, O’Black said he will host a variety of events for students, staff and community members to foster ongoing dialogue about the educational issues and concerns that are most important to the school district community.