School board hires director of curriculum

The North Allegheny school board said goodbye to a long-time administrator and hired her replacement at its July 18 meeting.

It was Tammy Andreyko’s last meeting before taking the reins of the Quaker Valley School District. Ms. Andreyko, assistant superintendent for curriculum, assessment and professional development, had been with North Allegheny for 21 years, and previously served as principal of Ingomar Middle School.

Board member Allyson Minton said she was very grateful for Ms. Andreyko’s kindness and “indirect mentoring” when she first became active in the district as a parent.

“While we are always excited to welcome new friends, it is sad for the old friends to leave,” Mrs. Minton said.

The new friend is Jillian Bischel, who was hired as director of curriculum, assessment and professional development at an annual salary of $127,000.

Ms. Bischel is currently director of curriculum and assessment in the Chartiers Valley School District. Her previous administrative positions have been in the Quaker Valley and Fox Chapel Area districts, and she has taught in Quaker Valley, as well as schools in Ohio and Mississippi.

She received a bachelor’s degree in English from Wittenberg University, a master’s degree in English education from Ohio State University, a gifted education K-12 certification from Ashland University, and a doctorate in School Leadership from the University of Pittsburgh. She also holds a principal’s certification and superintendent’s letter of eligibility from the University of Pittsburgh.

“Her background is perfect for what we are looking for; another fantastic hire,” said board member Chris Disque.

In other personnel business, the board ratified a contract with the union representing bus drivers.

The contract runs from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2022.

The district has 86 fulltime regular bus drivers, and four new drivers. The contract gives them a raise of 50 cents an hour in 2019 and 2020, and 60 cents an hour in 2021 and 2022, and drivers will contribute the same percentage toward their benefits, said Mary Hawley, director of human resources.