Carmichaels seeks new superintendent
Carmichaels Area has begun seeking a replacement for Superintendent John Menhart, who is expected to retire in June 2018.
Carmichaels Area Middle-Senior High School
CARMICHAELS – Carmichaels Area School Board is advertising for a new superintendent as it prepares for the eventual retirement of Superintendent John Menhart.
The board plans to hire someone for the post before June 30. That person will serve as assistant superintendent to Menhart until Menhart retires, which is expected to be in June 2018.
Having the new superintendent first serve for a year as an assistant superintendent “has been a district practice,” Menhart said, explaining the board’s hiring arrangement.
Before ascending to the top leadership post in February 2014, Menhart had served as assistant superintendent to the previous superintendent, Craig Baily. Baily had done the same under former superintendent Jim Zalar.
The district is advertising the position as a superintendent’s position. However, Menhart said, all applicants will be made aware they will first serve as assistant superintendent for a year before becoming superintendent.
Menhart, 60, is a 1974 graduate of Carmichaels Area High School. He started in the district as a health and physical education instructor before becoming an assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent.
When he retires as the end of next school year, he will have 40 years of service in the district.
“I have grandchildren, and I’d like to spend more time with them,” Menhart said, explaining his reasons for retiring. “There are a lot of things I’d like to do that I haven’t been able to do because of the time this position takes,” he said.
Menhart also was a football coach for the district for about 32 years. For about 18 of those years, he was head coach. He also coached basketball and girls softball.
Menhart said he has enjoyed his years in the district and called Carmichaels Area the best district in the state.
“It’s been nothing but good for me. I can’t say anything bad about Carmichaels,” he said. “We offer a solid education, the people in the community are great and we have a great staff here in the district.”
The board also recently hired a new business manager. Amy Todd, who has been the district’s business manager for the last 11 years, completed her last day in the district Friday.
Todd is leaving the district to accept a position in McGuffey School District. The board earlier hired Julie Mascia, business manager in California Area School District, as Todd’s replacement. Mascia will start at Carmichaels Area in March.