Award-winning former Kiski Area principal fills new district technology role

An award-winning former Kiski Area principal has a new position in the district.

Dan Smith has been named director of Technology and Information, responsible for all grade levels on six campuses.

Most recently, Smith served as assistant principal at Kiski Area Upper Elementary, where he was named Pennsylvania’s 2021 Outstanding Assistant Principal and, later, was one of 22 principals awarded the National Outstanding Principal Award.

Superintendent Misty Slavic said the job was created out of an ongoing need for updated professional development for instructional strategies supported by technology.

“The pandemic has made it clear that education has changed: The role of cyber education is not specific to cyber schools,” Slavic said.

Smith took on the new role at the beginning of the year. He said his primary duties are working with distance learning programming at the district level, which includes assisting families, students and staff.

“The goal is to make Kiski Area a premier district in the commonwealth and focus on relationships with staff and families as we continue to improve our program offerings,” said Smith, 41.

Citing a need for flexibility, Smith described the current education state as ever-changing.

“Our district strives to prepare students for whatever their future holds,” Smith said, “and the challenge of updating our approach and curriculum will be vital to the success of the district moving forward.”

The district is updating the look and feel of classrooms with new “smartboards.” Smith helped select the devices and will provide support and training to district staff.

Smith is a Kiski Area High School alumnus who grew up in Allegheny Township.

“I’ve been in this district since I was a kindergartener,” he said.

He began his career teaching social studies in 2004 and was named supervisor of technology and integration support in 2016.

After serving in that job for three years, he was hired as assistant principal at Kiski Area Upper Elementary.

“His experience as both a teacher and administrator gives him a unique perspective and allows him to make connections and promote a collaborative environment across all grade levels,” said KAUE Principal Brian Swartzlander.

Slavic said Smith’s work will pave the way for Kiski Area to move into the future.

“Education is offered in more areas than between four walls,” she said.

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