The Butler Area School District has a new superintendent.
Dr. Brian White, 43, comes to the district after serving as superintendent of the Chartiers Valley School District since August of 2010. In comments made at Wednesday night’s special meeting after he was officially hired by the board, White said, “I know there are a lot of good things going on; unfortunately that story doesn’t always get told. I think that is one of the challenges that all of us are going to have to confront. This isn’t just about hiring a new superintendent. It’s an opportunity to re-imagine, rethink, and remake what an institution stands for.”
The Butler School Board approved a five-year contract with Dr. White, starting with a yearly salary of $182,000 and including a 2 percent raise each year after.
Dr. White heard about the position from search consultant Tom Templeton, who the school board hired to help with the search after former Superintendent Dr. Dale Lumley resigned in February. Out of 20 applicants, 11 received interviews and through the process, Dr. White stood out, according to school board member Al Vavro.
“Dr. White expressed his willingness and desire to embrace the challenges that this district currently faces,” Vavro said.
Dr. William Pettigrew will continue in his role as Acting Superintendent until Dr. White is able to make arrangements with his previous employer, which will be done by Sept. 1 or earlier. At that point, the two men plan on working together to ensure a smooth transition.
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Written By: Ryan Saeler
