Kimberly Rode
The ARIN Intermediate Unit (IU) 28 Board of Directors unanimously approved the hiring of Kimberly Rode as Director of Special Education at its October 16 meeting. Ms. Rode is currently employed by ARIN IU 28 as a school psychologist.
The Director of Special Education has the overall responsibility for researching, developing and supervising the ARIN IU 28 Special Education Programs for students, between the ages of 3 and 21, in Armstrong and Indiana counties. In addition, the Director serves as the primary liaison for special education between the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and ARIN’s eleven school districts and two Career and Technical Centers (CTCs) and supports professional development opportunities for staff of the districts, CTCs, the IU as well as the non-public schools in the two counties. Ms. Rode will replace Mr. David Norris, who will retire in early 2019 after 6 years serving in this role.
Jim Wagner, Executive Director of ARIN IU 28, said, “Kim will bring a unique perspective to the position due to her background and experiences and I look forward to working with her in the constantly evolving world of Special Education.”
Rode is a doctoral candidate in Administration and Leadership Studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), with expected completion in August 2019. She holds her Master of Education in School Psychology from IUP, as well as a Superintendent PK-12 Letter of Eligibility, Supervisor of Pupil Personnel and School Psychologist certificates from the PDE. Outside of work, she enjoys being active outdoors and vacationing at the beach with her husband Paul, and their son, Logan.
“I am honored to be named ARIN’s next Director of Special Education. I am excited to work with the many outstanding educators, both at ARIN and in our member districts, to meet the needs of the students and families we serve,” she said.
ARIN IU 28 provides innovative educational programs, training and support services through partnerships and visionary leadership in Armstrong and Indiana Counties.