Pleasant Valley’s Newman hired by Penncrest School District

Pleasant Valley assistant to the superintendent Kenneth Newman has been hired by the Penncrest School District in Meadville, according to a Nov. 15 article in the Meadville Tribune.

Newman has been an assistant to the superintendent at Pleasant Valley School District, where he was responsible for curriculum and instruction. Last week PV superintendent David Piperato outlined his plans for increasing Newman’s responsibilities related to education in the district to free Piperato to concentrate more on the business end.

According to the Tribune, Newman will have the title of assistant superintendent.

The question of the difference between assistant to the superintendent and assistant superintendent came up at Pleasant Valley’s last meeting. PV solicitor Mark Fitzgerald said there is a legal difference in the positions and the responsibilities.

The Meadville position was created in August and 48 candidates applied, according to the Tribune.

Penncrest is geographically larger than Pleasant Valley, but has 2,750 students to PV’s nearly 5,000.

Newman’s annual salary will be $122,250 over a 3.5 year contract, according to the Tribune. Newman’s current annual salary at PV is $129,388 and with his proposed new duties Piperato said he expected Newman to be given a raise commensurate with his new job description.

Newman’s contract with PV requires him to give 60 days notice.

Newman did not return calls seeking comment.