Kiski Area Superintendent Tim Scott to retire

Kiski Area School District Superintendent Tim Scott announced he is retiring from the district’s top post.

Scott, 58, did not give a timetable for his departure from the district of about 3,500 students.

“There is such a distinct sense of purpose in trying to grow children into caring adults and productive citizens. That I will miss,” Scott said.

Scott, an Army veteran, has worked in education for more than 30 years, including 20 years as a school administrator. He began his career teaching high school social studies in Pittsburgh Public Schools before serving as an assistant principal, principal, curriculum and federal programs director and, from 2011 to 2015, assistant superintendent at Southmoreland School District. He has been superintendent at Kiski Area since 2015.

Kiski Area Assistant Superintendent Jason Lohr said Scott made inclusiveness a priority.

“Dr. Scott didn’t pay lip service when it came to ensuring all students had access to the best that Kiski Area had to offer. The word ‘all’ always meant ‘all,’ nothing less. During his tenure here, he delivered on that promise in everything he did,” Lohr said.

Kiski Area Upper Elementary Principal Brian Swartzlander described Scott as an innovator.

“We became a very data-centered district, and Dr. Scott taught us how to be leaders. He was a big mentor to me, and we had a lot of candid conversations about what it means to be a leader in the district. If it weren’t for him, I’d probably still be a teacher,” Swartzlander said.

Board member Jessica Johns said Scott will be difficult to replace.

“I don’t know if we can replace him. I think he’s a phenomenal leader, and I appreciate him very much,” Johns said.

While Scott didn’t provide a retirement date, he told the school board at a meeting this week, “I have many months left with you all.”

Scott said he timed his announcement early, so the board would have plenty of time to select a replacement.

Scott, who lives in Hempfield with his wife, Carrie, and 8-year-old son, said he looks forward to spending more quality time with his son in retirement. He also said that a new acoustic guitar, a gift from his wife, will be put to good use.

“I will try to be the best, worst player,” he joked.

Scott said his main hobby involves “anything with a racket,” and he looks forward to having more time to play squash and tennis.