Elementary principal named acting superintendent at Leechburg Area

Leechburg Area School Board members Monday appointed David Leech Elementary School Principal David Keibler as the district’s acting superintendent.

The move was made after former acting superintendent Peter Emery D’Arcangelo abruptly resigned last week, citing “an erosion of trust” among himself and school board members.

D’Arcangelo was set to start Feb. 12.

Superintendent Tiffany Nix, who resigned Dec. 20 to become an assistant superintendent at Penn-Trafford School District, leaves the district Friday.

More than 40 people attended Monday’s meeting, which started more than 30 minutes late, to find out how the school board would deal with the district’s top leadership post.

Andrew Pallus, who serves as vice president of the school board, said Keibler will be paid an additional $1,500 per month.

Pallus confirmed Tuesday that Keibler will begin superintendent duties on Monday. He will continue as principal of the elementary school.

“I want to thank the board. My service here the last seven years shows who I am. Please come to me. We’re going to lead this place here forward. I wanted to thank the community and the board,” Keibler said.

D’Arcangelo was hired Jan. 24 by a 6-3 school board vote.

He cited the nonunanimous vote as a reason for his resignation. D’Arcangelo also would have helped the district find a new superintendent.

“Everybody is doing the blame game now. I guess the real question is who managed to tell D’Arcangelo that he had a unanimous vote?” questioned former school board member Chuck Pascal, who is now a Leechburg councilman.

Interim solicitor Gary Matta said he contacted D’Arcangelo and informed him that his candidacy had the full support of the board.

“No one was against,” Matta told Pascal. “I was directed by the whole group (board) and, for whatever reason, several members of the board changed their mind.”

“That set this district back, and it’s something that shouldn’t occur,” Pascal said. “If you don’t do your due diligence, you’ll get burned in the end. Do not hire anybody that thinks they’re better than this district. Do not hire anybody who doesn’t get along with their staff. Be diligent. Do your homework.”