Kuzilla named Pine-Richland assistant director of student services and special education
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Pine-Richland School District officials hired Dr. Greta Kuzilla as the new assistant director of student services and special education. The school board approved her selection at the Feb. 13 combined meeting.
Kuzilla has served as principal of Hance Elementary School since 2018 and was assistant principal at Eden Hall Upper Elementary School for two years prior.
She earned her doctor of education from Point Park University in administration and leadership and a master of education of exceptional persons from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she also earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary education.
“I am extremely excited and proud to begin this new journey as assistant director of student services and special education,” Kuzilla said. “As I plan to embark on a journey in this new role, I know it will allow me to continue to build upon previous relationships and create new ones with all stakeholders in the district and community that I have come to know and love to benefit students.”
Kuzilla’s special education experience ranges from serving as a paraprofessional at extended school year to co-teaching students with a range of disabilities in the general education classroom. As an intervention coordinator, Kuzilla co-taught, provided reading and math interventions, supported writing evaluation reports in conjunction with the school psychologist and worked with IEP teams. She completed a supervisor of special education internship while at Hempfield Area School District.
While at Pine-Richland, she has been heavily invested in student services including the Multi-Tiered System of Supports process, pupil services, Student Assistant Program, and providing a continuum of services. She has participated in the MTSS and special education In-Depth Program Review process and works with the district team to implement recommendations in a strategic manner.
“Dr. Kuzilla is a hard working, dedicated professional who is passionate about our students,” said Noel Hustwit, current director of student services and special education who will retire in mid-March. “She works tirelessly to meet the needs of all students, and truly personifies the district mission to Focus on Learning for Every Student Every Day. It has been a pleasure working with Dr. Kuzilla over the past seven years.”
“Dr. Kuzilla is a true leader, she empowers others to provide the learning and growth for all students through her strategic knowledge of MTSS, SAP, pupil services, special education and RAMS Way,” said Dr. Maura Paczan, current lead psychologist who will become Pine-Richland’s director of student services upon Hustwit’s retirement. “She is authentic and consistent with her ability to build relationships with students, parents and staff members across the district.”
Kuzilla completed her superintendent letter of eligibility through Gannon University. She is certified in many areas, including special education and English as a second language. She is also a certified mentor through the National Association of Elementary School Principals and teaches adjunct classes at Point Park University in organizational leadership.
“I appreciate this opportunity to continue in a new role in the Pine-Richland School District and will keep Hance Elementary as my main focus until the official transition occurs,” Kuzilla said. “I’m looking forward to joining new teams across the district while also deepening relationships with the current teams to help support our mission. Through this role, I will be able to continue to support every student both inside and outside the classroom while also continuing to emphasize the importance of promoting education of the whole child.”
The district has already begun a search for a new principal of Hance Elementary.