Mr. Michael Allison
Principal
Mr. Michael Allison is the principal of Hopewell High School. He began his administrative career on March 1, 1998 when he came to Hopewell High School as the Assistant Principal and in August of 2000 assumed his role as building principal. Prior to coming to Hopewell, Mr. Allison served as a teacher in the South Side Area School District; where he was consistently challenged by his supervisors to take on roles as a teacher leader. He was a South Side High School teacher of Earth and Space Science as well as Physical Science for two years and then found his passion with seven years of teaching eighth grade science at South Side Middle School. He also served as a boys and girls basketball coach at South Side.
Mr. Allison’s proudest educational moments come from knowing he has helped to shape the educational vision of his school community; from watching students receive their diplomas, knowing he had a role in their success; and from getting to congratulate each individual student at graduation. He views the principal’s job as a vocation demonstrated by his strong commitment to students and their success. His driving passion is to build communication links to students and staff focused on serving each student’s needs as an individual. Mr. Allison strongly believes that the Hopewell Area School District is a special community shaped by the work ethic of our grandparents and their histories in the factories of Beaver County and furthered strengthened by the strong ethnic connections and religious dedication of the families of our school community. He feels a strong connection to Hopewell and its families through his extended service to our school community. Working with so many students through the years and now working with their children and knowing so many grandparents and aunts and uncles has created a unique connection that allows him to connect and further his relationships with our students, families and school community.
Mr. Allison earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education (Biology) from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania in 1989; a Master’s of Education degree in Educational Leadership and secondary principal certification from Franciscan University of Steubenville; and an elementary principal certification from Westminster College. He was also a member of the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program for Educational Leaders (IDPEL) Cohort 2003 at Duquesne University.
Since
coming to Hopewell, Mr. Allison, has been an active leader in local, state and
national principals associations. He has served as the President of the
MAC Principals Association; he has been on the Board of Directors of the
Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals (PAESSP)
since 1999 and served as the Pennsylvania president during the 2007-2008 school
year. Recently, Mr. Allison was again elected to serve as President of
PAESSP, which is now called the PA Principals Association, and he will assume
that two year term beginning in October of 2018. Further, Mr. Allison has been
published in the PAESSP magazine, The Pennsylvania Administrator, and has
served as an adjunct faculty member in the Principal Leadership graduate
program at Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH.
In 2010, Mr. Allison was elected to serve on the
Board of Directors of the National Association of Secondary School Principals
(NASSP) and culminated his work with NASSP by serving as the 2015-2016 national
president of NASSP. During his presidency, he was blessed to have the
opportunity to go with a small cadre of American principals to China for a
month to share educational best practices with principals across China.
Additionally, he has worked on numerous national committees; engaged in
advocacy work with legislators in Washington D.C. promoting principals and the
power of our public high schools; and he has presented at state principal
conferences across the United States.
Since 2010, Mr. Allison has been elected annually
by his principal peers to the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic
League (WPIAL) Board of Directors and works as the association treasurer.
In July of 2018, Mr. Allison was elected to a position on the Pennsylvania
Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Board of Directors and looks
forward to working with athletes, principals, and other school leaders from
across Pennsylvania in this new role.
Mr. Allison resides in Findlay Township, with his
wife, Michele, and their son, Alexei. He always recognizes and thanks
them for their support in his efforts to be an effective and dedicated
principal!
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Dennis Barber
Director of Technology
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Dr Jeffrey Beltz
Superintendent
Dr. Beltz possesses 20 years of experience in educational leadership, serving in a variety of administrative and teaching roles with schools and districts in Pennsylvania. He has spent the past two years in the Moon Area School District, where he helped the district remain financially solvent and oversaw the alignment of curriculum practices across five elementary schools. Culminating his tenure, McCormick Elementary School received the state’s highest 2021-22 elementary Building Level Score rated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Act 13 Educator Effectiveness system. Dr. Beltz was also instrumental in selecting and supporting newly adopted K-7 mathematics and K-8 English language arts programs through curriculum alignment validation, research-based practices, professional development, and the selection of a supplemental, standards-aligned e-resource. Dr. Beltz also served for 20 years in the Beaver Area School District, including 10 as middle school principal. There, he led the creation of an enhanced elective program to foster engaging STEM experiences, adjusted the school day to maximize teacher instruction, and implemented a one-to-one iPad initiative for all students. Additionally, Dr. Beltz has experience as an assistant principal, dean of students, and teacher. He has also coached varsity football and served as an athletic director and transportation coordinator. “I am honored to join the Hopewell Area School District and take on this leadership role in a district known for its excellent schools,” said Dr. Beltz. “I look forward to working with district staff, families, and community members to make sure we are meeting the needs of our students and always improving at everything we do. I appreciate this opportunity to serve as your next superintendent.” Dr. Beltz holds a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Youngstown State University, a master’s degree in business administration from Robert Morris University, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Geneva College.
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Gary Hutsler
Elementary Assistant Principal
It is an honor to serve as the Elementary Assistant Principal for the Hopewell Area School District! After graduating from Westminster College with a degree in Elementary Education (K-6), I went on to receive my Master’s in Education and K-12 Principal's Certification from California University of Pennsylvania. For the past eight years, I have taught fifth grade at Jefferson Elementary in the Mt. Lebanon School District. Being a school administrator has always been a lifelong dream, and I’m extremely blessed to be able to serve the district in this capacity. I look forward to communicating with the children, faculty, staff, and community to provide the best education possible for students. As the Elementary Assistant Principal, I promise that each decision that I make will be made with the students’ best interest in mind. I believe that every student is capable of achieving, and it is every staff member's responsibility to create a positive, inviting, safe school climate where students feel valued, challenged, and confident in their pursuit of success. In the upcoming days, I am excited to share my passion for Education with the wonderful community of Hopewell! Furthermore, I also serve as a Captain at the 171st Air Refueling Wing and hold the position of the Aircraft Maintenance Operations Officer in the United States Air Force. My time in the military has been extremely rewarding and has taught me many life lessons that I have used in Education. I look forward to bringing a unique perspective to the district as we work diligently to provide students with every opportunity to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Family truly means everything to me in life, and I want nothing more than to continue this mindset with everyone I encounter throughout Hopewell. I know we have been presented with some unusual circumstances, but I know with your partnership, we will continue to provide students with the best education possible. I look forward to being in a position to make a difference for our Viking family. Our communication and collaboration in the days ahead will set the foundation for our students’ future success. I thank every stakeholder in advance for your trust and partnership throughout this journey as we work to ensure each and every student has memorable experiences throughout their time at Hopewell that will last a lifetime! :)
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Korri Kane
Principal
Korri Kane has been with the Hopewell Area School District since 2007, as an Assistant Principal at the Junior Hih, and is currently the Elementary Principal for the district. She is a graduate of both Edinboro University and the University of Phoenix. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech and Hearing Disorders and a Master’s Degree in Education. Mrs. Kane is an active member of the PA State and National Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, The International Society for Technology in Education, and National and PA State Association of Elementary School Principals.
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Robert Kartychak
Assistant Senior High School Principal
Dr. Robert Kartychak is currently Hopewell High School’s assistant principal. He has had the privilege of spending his entire professional career in the Hopewell Area School District. Dr. Kartychak's career began as a sixth grade teacher at Hopewell Memorial Junior High School in 2002, and would later serve as a fourth grade teacher and department chairperson at Hopewell Elementary for the final four years of his teaching career. Dr. Kartychak was an elementary assistant principal for six years to begin his administrative journey prior to joining the high school administrative team at the start of the 2020-21 school year. While all facets of education intrigue him, Dr. Kartychak has been particularly interested in how students learn and engage with mathematics.
Dr. Kartychak earned his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in 2001; Masters of Education in Administration and Policy Studies from the University of Pittsburgh in 2006; and his Doctorate in Educational Leadership with Superintendent Letter of Eligibility from Point Park University in 2019. While Dr. Kartychak is not officially Hopewell alumni, he is a proud Viking! He feels it has been a pleasure over his time in Hopewell to have had the opportunity to work in each of the district's five school buildings with the best staff, students, and parents around. When he is not at school, Dr. Kartychak resides nearby with his wife and two sons. |
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Edward Katkich
Principal
Mr. Edward Katkich, a 1990 graduate of Aliquippa High
School, obtained his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from West
Virginia University. Subsequently, he pursued his Master in Educational
Administration from Youngstown State University. Mr. Katkich is a long
standing member of the National Association of Elementary and Secondary School
Principals (NAESSP), Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary
School Principals (PAESSP), National Association for Supervision and Curriculum
Development (NASCD), and the Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and
Curriculum Development (PASCD).
Since 1997, Mr. Katkich has proudly served as an employee
of the Hopewell Area School District. Following a brief, yet rewarding,
five year tenure as a 7th/8th grade geography and social studies educator, Mr. Katkich joined the Hopewell Area School District’s Administrative Team as Jr. High Assistant Principal. In 2005, he was promoted to Junior High Principal and continues to serve the Hopewell Learning Community in this capacity.
Throughout his tenure of over 20 years with the Hopewell
Area School District, Mr. Katkich has assisted in the development of the
District’s Strategic, Safety and Special Education Plans. Collaboratively
with staff members, Mr. Katkich has worked to integrate curricular offerings to
include STEAM oriented electives and various other courses focused on the
application of skills gained within the core content. He strongly
believes that as an educational leader one should always listen to the voices
of his/her students. For if you wish to provide an engaging learning
environment, an educational leader needs to decipher the interests of the young
academicians in order to foster a truly meaningful curricula.
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Dr. Joel Roth
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Joel Roth arrived at Hopewell Area School District as the Curriculum Director in 2021. He began his career as an educator in the Cherokee County School District in Georgia most recently assuming the role of Assistant Principal (Curriculum) at Woodstock High School. Prior to this position, he was an Instructional Lead Strategist, Mathematics Teacher, and Coach at River Ridge High School. He served the Cherokee County School District for 11 years before returning to his Western Pennsylvania roots. Dr. Roth earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Clarion University in his hometown of Clarion, Pennsylvania. He continued on to obtain a Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning from Nova Southeastern University and a Master’s of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision from Liberty University. He attended Kennesaw State University to study Curriculum, where he earned a Specialist Degree and then a Doctorate of Education in Secondary Education Mathematics. Outside of school, Dr. Roth is the proud husband to his wife, Brianne and father to their three children Jace, Paige, and Eli. He enjoys spending time with his family outdoors and is an avid Pittsburgh sports fan.
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Donald Short
Athletic Director
Mr. Don Short, Athletic Director/Trainer at Hopewell Area School District has been named Pennsylvania Region IV Athletic Director of
the Year. In 1988, he became a
certified athletic trainer, earning his Athletic Administrator certificate in
2003. Mr. Short was hired as Hopewell
Area School District’s athletic trainer in 1989 and has served as the
district’s athletic director since 2002. Mr. Short is a graduate of Allegheny College and Aliquippa High School. During Mr. Short’s tenure
at Hopewell, he has supervised and coordinated four PIAA and 13 WPIAL team championships
as well as numerous section championships. Mr. Short’s proudest
accomplishment during his 17 years as athletic director was his involvement with
the district’s recently renovated Tony Dorsett Stadium. From its conception to completion, Mr. Short
was actively involved with coordination, overseeing the daily construction. Mr. Short has served as
MAC President from 2011-2013. His
memberships include WPIAL Sports Medicine, PSADA, and has served as WPIAL game
manager for many soccer, football, and volleyball events. Don currently resides in
the Hopewell School District with his wife, Lynn.
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Donna Steff
Student Services Coordinator and Assistant Elementary Principal
Mrs. Donna Steff has been with the Hopewell Area School District since 2004. While currently holding the position of Student Services Coordinator and Assistant Elementary Principal, Mrs. Steff previously taught English Language Arts in both the Junior High and High School at Hopewell. As an ELA teacher at the Jr. High, Mrs. Steff worked to bring multiple opportunities to her students by starting the Eighth Grade Washington, D.C. field trip and sponsoring both the National Junior Honor Society and Yearbook clubs. Mrs. Steff earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Communications from Robert Morris University as well as her teaching certificate. She continued her education at Clarion University of Pennsylvania with a Masters of Curriculum and Instruction. Most recently, Mrs. Steff earned her principal certificate from Point Park University. Mrs. Steff is a member of the National Council for Teachers of English (NCTE), National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the Pennsylvania Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (PASCD). Mrs. Steff strives to offer a variety of educational opportunities to students. Since 2015, Mrs. Steff has led the Hopewell Toy Drive along with two of her colleagues, serving over 160 students in need each December. She is dedicated to integrating resources for students experiencing homelessness and mainstreaming services to students in our community. In addition to working at Hopewell, Mrs. Steff has been on the board of directors for the Adoption Connection of PA since 2018, and volunteers for many youth organizations in Beaver County including Scouts, BSA and the Western Beaver Band Boosters. Outside of school, Mrs. Steff lives in Ohioville and enjoys spending time with her husband, Brian, and son, Braedon, as well as their many pets.
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Dr. Lynn Utchell
Director of Special Education
Dr. Lynn Utchell began her educational career in 2004 as Hopewell Area School District’s first School Psychologist Intern. Following her internship she worked as a School Psychologist in Allegheny County for the Shadyside Academy Junior School and the Carlynton School District. Dr. Utchell proudly returned to the Hopewell Area School District in August of 2010 as the Director of Special Education.
Prior to beginning her career, Dr. Utchell
earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Allegheny College and obtained
both her Master of Science in Education and Doctorate in School Psychology from
Duquesne University. Her educational focus has centered on the areas literacy
and inclusion. She is a member of Pennsylvania and National Associations of
Pupil Services Administrators, National Association of School Psychologists, Association
for Supervision and Curriculum Development and the Beaver County Local Task
Force.
Outside of school she enjoys spending time with
her husband, two children and golden retriever. Dr. Utchell is dedicated to
making sure ALL individuals find their purpose, passion and pride at Hopewell!
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