Good afternoon Spring-Ford Family,
I'm pleased to share that last night, the Spring-Ford Area School District Board of School Directors appointed Dr. Kelly Murray as the new Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation and Dr. Tina Giambattista as the new Assistant Superintendent of Special Education and Student Services.
Through the processes of filling the Assistant Superintendent position, we found that splitting the responsibilities of the Assistant Superintendent would better support our school community in the long term. As we went through the initial interview process, we found two strong candidates, both who were highly specialized in their areas of Special Education and of Curriculum and Instruction. I believe Dr. Murray and Dr. Giambattista’s skill sets complement each other; together, I expect they will make a remarkable difference here at Spring-Ford.
Restructuring Overview:
The Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation will oversee professional development, direct the district’s curriculum and development activities, and develop long-range plans for professional personnel needs.
The responsibilities of the Assistant Superintendent of Special Education and Student Services will supervise the Special Education Department in the implementation of Special Education programs, overseeing School Counseling and School Psychologist personnel, and acting as an advocate for the district to increase inclusionary practices.
About the Team:
Dr. Kelly Murray, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation, has served as the Director of Curriculum for Spring-Ford Area School District since September of 2019. In her previous roles, she served as an Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning, Director of S.T.E.M., Supervisor of Instruction, Elementary Building Administrator, Curriculum Coordinator and Biology and Life Science Teacher. Dr. Murray has a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University and earned her Letter of Eligibility from Immaculata in 2012. Dr. Murray’s employment contract is effective September 28, 2021 through June 30, 2025.
Dr. Tina Giambattista, Assistant Superintendent of Special Education and Student Services, began her career as a gifted support teacher in 1994 at North Penn School District. Over the next seven years, she taught special education, servicing students with learning disabilities and autism. Upon earning her Supervisory certification in Special Education, Dr. Giambattista became an administrator in North Penn and Wissahickon School Districts where she served in a variety of leadership roles. Currently, Dr. Giambattista is a Special Education Supervisor in Central Bucks School District at the secondary level. Dr. Giambattista's educational background includes earning her bachelor's degree from Temple University in Elementary Education. She earned her master's degree at Eastern University, and her special education supervisory certification at Penn State University. Dr. Giambattista earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Gwynedd Mercy University in 2017. Lastly, she earned her Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility from Delaware Valley University in 2021. Dr. Giambattista’s effective date of the employment contract is anticipated to be on or about November 28, 2021 through June 30, 2025.
I look foward to introducing you to the team in upcoming Weekly Update videos, out in our schools, or at the upcoming Homecoming Parade (save the date for October 23rd).
Thank you,
Mr. Rizzo
Spring-Ford Superintendent