Kiski Area hires new director of student support services

Kiski Area School District has created a new full-time position to help serve the district’s special education and gifted programs.

Darren Kennedy was hired as the district’s new director of student support services at a salary of $115,000. He started in the position July 1 and will serve students on all six district campuses.

The job’s responsibilities previously were handled by external, contract personnel.

Kennedy, 51, of Crafton said he is eager to start evaluating the district’s special education and gifted programs.

“I’ll determine strengths and needs,” Kennedy said.

In addition to the special education and gifted programs, student support services include speech and language, student health, and student and parent support.

Kennedy highlighted the district’s Extended Year Program, which is available through the end of July, as an example of a program that provides services during the summer break for special education students to maintain progress attained during the academic school year.

Kiski Area Superintendent Misty Slavic noted that, while the position is not new, the district previously utilized a company hired to handle student services.

“Upon arriving in Kiski, I worked with the staff to identify needs across the district,” Slavic said. “One of the needs identified was to bring this director position internal so that the individual could take a more active leadership role in the day-to-day needs of our district.”

Kennedy previously worked as director of special education in the Wilkinsburg School District.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from California University of Pennsylvania in 2000 and a special education supervisor certificate from Slippery Rock University.

“I want to evaluate the program — working with the principals, guidance counselors and teachers. I want to try to see what we need and what we can do to make it better,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy was hired in 1993 for his first teaching job at Wesley Highland School in Whitehall.

Three years later, he accepted a position in the emotional, learning and life skills support department with Penn Hills School District and later as its special education supervisor.

Brian Swartzlander, principal at Kiski Area Upper Elementary, said Kennedy’s leadership will benefit every campus in the district.

“We’re excited to bring new leadership and perspective to support our mission of ensuring that all students have the best educational experience possible,” Swartzlander said.

Full inclusion is offered in every classroom at Kiski Area Upper Elementary, providing support and intervention so every student has access to the highest curriculum offered, Swartzlander said.

Kiski Area enrolls students from nine Alle-Kiski municipalities: Avonmore, Vandergrift, East Vandergrift, Hyde Park and Oklahoma boroughs plus four townships: Allegheny, Washington, Bell and Parks.

About 260 faculty members serve 3,600 students in the district.

“We’re all very excited to have Mr. Kennedy join our team,” Slavic said. “His vast experience, personable demeanor and focus on the students are exactly what we’re looking for.”