District hires new schools chief
LOWER POTTSGROVE » The Pottsgrove School District did not have to go too far to find a new superintendent.
The school board voted unanimously Tuesday to hire David Finnerty as the new schools’ chief.
Currently, Finnerty is an assistant superintendent with the Twin Valley School district over in Elverson, which educates students in Berks and Chester counties.
According to the information posted on the meeting agenda, Finnerty has held his current position since May 2019.
He also served as a principal at Quakertown Community High School. He began his teaching career as a math teacher at Francis D. Raub Middle School.
Before his years as an educator, Finnerty was vice presi
dent at Weiler Corp. for nine years and also served in the United States Army National Guard for nine years.
Finnerty’s five-year contract begins July 1 and runs through June 30, 2026, and he will be paid a salary of $187,500 in the first year.
School Board President Robert Lindgren said the committee that selected Finnerty had about 25 members that included teachers and other school employees.
Finnerty told the board it was a “humbling experience” to be selected.
“We’re doing really important work and I never forget that,” he said of the business of public education. “I’m looking forward to spending some wonderful years in the Pottsgrove community.”
Several board members commented that Finnerty will be a “good fit,” and longtime board member Patti Grimm predicted “you’re going to look good in maroon and white,” which are the district colors.
He was also welcomed by Pottsgrove teacher Marilyn Eaton who was on the committee that recommended his hiring.
Finnerty will replace William Shirk, the current superintendent, who is retiring, along with assistant superintendent Robert Harney and longtime Business Manager David Nester.
Finnerty will have to hire a new assistant superintendent and business manager and Shirk pledged that he and Harney will do their best to work with Finnerty “and make sure you get off to a good start.”