New Lenape Tech Administrator Settling In

by Jonathan Weaver

The first day of classes at Lenape Technical School in Manor Township went by well for new Principal Wesley Kuchta.

As has his first seven months in Armstrong County.

Kuchta was unanimously hired earlier this summer to fill the vacancy of school principal after Karen Brock became school administrative director following Dawn Kocher-Taylor’s retirement.

Originally from Natrona Heights, Kuchta said he gets the opportunity now to combine years as principal at A.W. Beattie Career Center with a background in teaching social studies in the Deer Lakes School District.

“What I love about Lenape is that I bring my background from Beattie – which was only career programs – but it combines with the academic programs Lenape has,” Kuchta said. “It’s the best of both worlds for me.”

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

Many of Kuchta’s juniors and seniors at Deer Lakes attended A.W. Beattie.

“That’s where I kind-of began to understand how important career education was to them,” Kuchta said.

Kuchta’s mission the first few days of school will include observing teachers and students, and watch students apply academics to their career focus.

“Whenever possible, especially early in the year, it’s going to be important for me to get in the classroom to see the students, see the teachers. To really create relationships with the staff and students, I think you really have to know the ins-and-outs of the school,” Kuchta said.

During Kuchta’s first report to Joint Operating Committee members last night, Kuchta updated school board officials from Apollo-Ridge, Armstrong, Freeport and Leechburg school districts regarding this summer’s roof repair project – which was completed under budget.

Upon Kuchta’s hire a few months ago, Brock said she was excited to work with him and thought “we can continue to make great strides here.”

Committee President Joseph Close (representing the Armstrong School District) said he looked forward to working with Kuchta.

“Think you’ll be a great fit,” Close said.

Before Dawn Kocher-Taylor retired as Administrative Director in June, she expressed faith in both Brock and Kuchta. Kocher-Taylor had interacted with Kuchta at professional conferences and remarked about his positive presence.

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  By lowfatlowcarbnosugarcheesecake, August 19, 2016 @ 1:40 PM

  Committee President Joseph Close (representing the Armstrong School District) said he looked forward to working with Kuchta.

  “Think you’ll be a great fit,” Close said.

  I can’t think of a worse insult than to fit in with Joe Close and Company… Hopefully Kuchta doesn’t fit in with that group of fools!

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