New Lenape Tech Principal Hired

by Jonathan Weaver

An Allison Park (Allegheny County) administrator has been hired to fill an upcoming vacancy at Lenape Tech in Manor Township.

With current principal Karen Brock becoming the new school administrative director at the end of the month (following Dawn Kocher-Taylor’s retirement), current-A.W. Beattie Career Center Principal Wesley Kuchta was unanimously hired by the technical school’s Joint Operating Committee last night.

A.W. Beattie Career Center services students in nine Allegheny County school districts, such as Deer Lakes, North Allegheny and Pine-Richland, in 18 programs of study.

Before serving nearly four years at A.W. Beattie Career Center, Kuchta taught history in the Deer Lakes School District and at Agora Cyber Charter School.

“He has a combination of both academic and technical school experience,” Brock said. “He is very excited to work in a school that has both because A.W. Beattie is only a part-time tech school.”

Kuchta, who will begin July 1, will be paid $91,000 for the 2016-17 school year pending all employment requirements.

Since Kocher-Taylor announced her early retirement in March, Brock said she is becoming better prepared for the transition.

“I’m excited, and I’m excited to work with Mr. Kuchta – I think we can continue to make great strides here,” Brock said.

Kuchta is also reportedly studying for an education doctorate from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Brock will try to continue interaction with students despite her new responsibilities when classes resume August 17.

Kocher-Taylor retires after nearly 20 years at Lenape Tech and a total of 40 in education – including a stint at Butler County Area Vo-Tech.

She had faith both Brock and Kuchta will make a good team.

“Mrs. Brock will do an excellent job and Mr. Kuchta will be a real asset to our leadership team,” Kocher-Taylor said. “Lenape’s in good hands.”

Kocher-Taylor has interacted with Kuchta at professional conferences and remarked about his positive presence.

As she said in the past, Kocher-Taylor reiterated her thought that it was a “privilege” to support Lenape Tech teachers and support personnel with things like a positive learning environment and a collaborative atmosphere to help students from Armstrong County achieve their goals.

“Overall, there is exceptional faculty and staff here,” Kocher-Taylor said. “We always say ‘Together, what can’t we do?’ We can overcome the challenges we face and still do what we need to do for our kids.”

Joint Operating Committee members from Armstrong, Apollo-Ridge, Freeport and Leechburg school districts applauded Kocher-Taylor and JOC Vice Chairperson Dr. John Marty gave her a hug before the meeting officially adjourned. Pieces of sheet cake were given to all in attendance to commemorate Kocher-Taylor’s retirement.

There is no Joint Operating Committee meeting scheduled for July.

1 Comment

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  By sickofpayingforit, June 18, 2016 @ 12:50 PM

  Now let’s see 91,000 dollars worth of test scores!

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