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McGuffey new superintendent adjusting to role amid pandemic

3 min read

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When Dr. Andrew Oberg, McGuffey School District’s new superintendent, introduced himself to the community, it wasn’t during a school board meeting.

Instead, Oberg, who is taking the helm amid the COVID-19 pandemic, recorded a video greeting that was aired on the district’s website.

“These are certainly unique times we’re living through,” said Oberg, who is eager to meet people face-to-face and spend time getting to better know the students and community.

The school board voted to hire Oberg – a former professional football player and former CEO of Georgia Cyber Academy, the state’s largest online school – for the top administrative post in November, and he was sworn in at the Washington County Courthouse on Dec. 15.

“It is an honor to take on the leadership role at McGuffey,” said Oberg. “My mission as superintendent is also my passion: to maintain and grow a rigorous learning and teaching environment at McGuffey that provides every scholar with a sense of belonging by helping each of them to grow intellectually, emotionally and socially.” 

Oberg served as elementary assistant principal in the Pittsburgh Public Schools prior to taking on his role at McGuffey.

He began his career in education as a high school teacher at West Allegheny School District, where he later became middle school assistant principal.

Oberg transitioned to cyber school where he served as director of instructional technology and, later, executive director of Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School.

In addition to working as CEO of Georgia Cyber Academy, Oberg served as CEO of Cloudcast Education.

The school board approved a 3 1/2-year contract with an initial salary of $125,000.

Oberg said he was drawn to the family-like atmosphere at McGuffey, and the talented, dedicated professional staff. 

“There’s a supportive environment provided by the families here, and what happens at McGuffey schools is the hub of the community,” said Oberg. “I’ll work every day to continue to foster and cultivate that sense of family and community.”

A graduate of Rochester High School, the 6-foot, 7-inch Oberg attended University of North Carolina, where he played offensive tackle for the Tar Heels.

He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1992 – the same year Brett Favre arrived in Green Bay – and played professional football in Germany before ending his career with the Indianapolis Colts.

Oberg earned dual certification in elementary and secondary education from Geneva College, and earned his masters and doctorate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh.

Oberg and his wife, Amy, have three children, Max, 20, Addie, 17, and Mia, 12.

Oberg is preparing for students to return to in-person learning on Jan. 11.

His experience with online education, he believes, is especially valuable during the pandemic, as school districts have transitioned to virtual classrooms.

“There are a lot of lessons you can take from (the pandemic). Change is constant, and you have to embrace it and you have to roll with it,” said Oberg. “Before this pandemic happened, there wasn’t a road map or a playbook on how to handle it. We have to look to others in the field because we’re not going it alone. This is new to everyone.”

He credited parents and teachers for their efforts during the pandemic.

“We’re asking a lot of everyone – parents, teachers, and the students,” said Oberg, “and we’re all doing our best.”

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