Keystone Central School District recruits new superintendent from State College
MILL HALL — Keystone Central School District has a new superintendent.
After a nearly year-long search, the school board has announced its intent to appoint Jacquelyn Martin as the district’s new superintendent.
News came late Thursday afternoon via an email from Interim Superintendent Dr. Alan Lonoconus.
He said Martin is now the Director of Curriculum for State College Area School District, a position she has held for six years. She holds a Master of Art in Education and is a candidate in Doctor of Education in Education Administration Leadership.
“I am truly honored to have this opportunity in a community that I consider my home,” Martin said via e-mail. “I am anxious to work collaboratively with everyone in the school and community. Together, we will be responsible for quality schools that are focused on every child every day.”
The selection comes after a thorough search, Dr. Lonoconus said.
The school board and Martin will be working on the details of this impending appointment over the next several weeks, Dr. Lonoconus said.
At this time, a definitive start date has not been established, he said.
“I intend to remain in the interim role through this transition and assist the board as they deem necessary following Martin’s official appointment and determined start date,” he said in the release.
Dr. Lonoconus served the district last school year, first as a substitute superintendent starting in January 2018, and then as an interim superintendent after the official date of retirement of Kelly Hastings in March.
The distinction was necessary because Hastings consumed her paid leave to her March 12 retirement date even though she did not return to work after the district’s winter break.
Subsequently, Dr. Lonoconus became one of three finalists for superintendent, but then had to withdraw and the board suspended the search.
In August, Dr. Lonoconus signed a one-year contract as superintendent and the search for superintendent resumed.
When asked at last week’s board meeting about the status of the search for a permanent superintendent, Dr. Lonoconus said, “Interviews were scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 12, and at that point they would make decisions on what the next steps were going to be.”
New board president Bo Miller said he hoped that the position would be filled “soon.” He declined to comment on the number of candidates being interviewed or answer any questions about the process.