Search underway for new Butler Area SD superintendent amid water investigation

BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. — A small crowd attended the Butler Area School District’s board meeting Monday night as a search for a new superintendent gets underway on the tail of a tainted water investigation.

“I think the board is approaching it very seriously. They're very committed, and they're looking for a person that's going to lead the Butler School District in a successful way,” Acting Superintendent William Pettigrew said.

Last fall, the Department of Environmental Protection found high lead levels in the water supply at Summit Township Elementary School, but district leaders didn't notify parents of the discovery until four months later.

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The district's superintendent, assistant superintendent of elementary education and the maintenance director have all since left the district.

“This would have been an easy problem to fix if they would have done it back in August,” Butler resident Mark Krenitsky said.

School board members decided during Monday’s meeting that the next step would be to contract a hiring firm to help in the search of their next superintendent.

Pettigrew will serve as the acting superintendent is here until July 1, and board members hope to have a replacement in time for the new school year.

Krenitsky said that regardless of the obstacles the district has faced in recent weeks, he still has faith that the district can turn it all around.

“I am definitely a critic at times. However, I'm a big believer in the school district,” he said.

Next Thursday, a public meeting will be held in which the board will pick a hiring firm to recommend for a vote on the following Monday.

Cox Media Group