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Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education

Asst. Supt.
Kristen Justus, Ph.D.
Phone: 724-625-7773, ext. 6121
kjustus@pinerichland.org
 
Carolyn Will, Administrative Assistant 
Phone: 724-625-7773, ext. 6110  |  Fax: 724-625-1490
cwill@pinerichland.org

 

Pine-Richland School District welcomed Dr. Kristen Justus to serve as assistant superintendent of elementary education and curriculum in March of 2017.  

Dr. Justus served as principal of Ingomar Elementary School from 2011 - 2017. Before her arrival at Ingomar Elementary, Dr. Justus served as assistant principal at Ingomar Middle School for three years, after spending one year in the role of lead teacher in the same building during the 2007-2008 school year. In 2010, she also served as acting principal at Ingomar Middle School. Prior to taking on these administrative roles, she taught German at Ingomar Middle School, North Allegheny Senior High, North Allegheny Intermediate High School and in the Norwin School District, where she taught a variety of introductory, essentials, academic and honors German courses across 7-12.

Dr. Justus earned a doctor of philosophy in organizational learning and leadership from Gannon University, where she completed her superintendent letter of eligibility.  She earned a master of education in curriculum and instruction from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe as well as her principal certification from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She obtained her bachelor of science education in secondary education with a certification in K-12 German from the Pennsylvania State University.

Pine-Richland is home for Dr. Justus, who graduated from Pine-Richland High School. She says working for Pine-Richland is a deeply meaningful and rewarding experience and allows her to give back to the community which educated her.

Assistant Superintendent Resume

Education

Institution

Major

Degree

Graduation

Gannon University

Organizational Learning & Leadership

Ph.D.

November 2016

Gannon University

Superintendent
Letter of Eligibility

Superintendent Letter of Eligibility

June 2011

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Principal Certification

Supervisory Papers
K – 12 Principal

May
2008

Saint Vincent College

Curriculum
& Instruction

M.Ed.

August
2008

Pennsylvania State University

Secondary Education:
German

B.S. Education
K–12 German
Minor German
Minor International Studies

May
2003

Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel

German Study Abroad

German Credits applied to PSU degree through Study Abroad Program

 

 

Experience


Pine-Richland School District

  • Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education                         2017 to Present

North Allegheny School District

  • Principal, Ingomar Elementary School                                                 2011 - 2017
  • Assistant Principal, Ingomar Middle School                                        2008 - 2011
    • Acting Principal, Ingomar Middle School                                        Summer 2010
    • Superintendent Internship Experience                                           August 2009 - August 2010
  • Lead Teacher and Principal Internship, Ingomar Middle School     2007 - 2008
  • German Teacher, North Allegheny Intermediate High School         2006 - 2007
  • German Teacher, Ingomar Middle/North Allegheny Sr. High           2003-2004

Norwin School District

  • German Teacher, Norwin High School                                                  2004 - 2006
 

Professional Memberships & Appointments

  • American Association of School Administrators
  • Phi Delta Kappa
  • ASCD Member
  • PAESSP & NAESSP Member
  • Former Pennsylvania Middle School Association, Western Region Board Member
  • Mid-Atlantic Alliance for Performance Excellence Examiner (2019)
  • Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Examiner (2020)

Assistant Superintendent Evaluation & Objective Performance Standards

The superintendent and board of directors have determined that the assistant superintendent has met the following objective performance standards for the 2023-2024 academic year:
 
  • Student Growth and Achievement: Assistant superintendent uses multiple data sources to assess student success and growth as appropriate, specific to needs within the district, and as determined annually in collaboration with the PR Board of School Directors. Annual or other district performance objectives are articulated and clearly achieved under the direction of the superintendent relative to achievement and growth on PDE-required assessments including, but not limited to, PSSA, PVAAS, Keystone Exams, and other locally determined measures.
     
  • Organizational Leadership: Assistant Superintendent works collaboratively with the board to develop a vision for the district, displays an ability to identify and rectify problems affecting the district, works collaboratively with District Administration to ensure best practices for instruction, supervision, curriculum development, and management are being utilized and works to influence the climate and culture of the district.
     
  • District Operations and Financial Management: Assistant Superintendent manages effectively, ensuring completion of activities associated with the annual budget; overseeing the distribution of resources in support of District priorities; and directing overall operational activities within the district.
     
  • Communication and Community Relations: Assistant Superintendent communicates with and effectively engages the staff, the Board, and members of the community, clearly articulating District goals and priorities, addressing local and broader issues affecting the district, and building support for District initiatives, programs, and short/long-range plans.
     
  • Human Resource Management: Assistant Superintendent incorporates best practices for human resource management and oversight, coordinating staffing, recruitment, and other human resource functions.
     
  • Professionalism: Assistant Superintendent models professional decision-making processes and ethical standards consistent with the values of Pennsylvania’s public education system as well as that of the Pine-Richland community. Assistant Superintendent additionally works to individually reflect upon his effectiveness within the role, and works to improve effectiveness through the use of professional development literature and activities.