Spring-Ford Area School District Hires 2 Assistant Superintendents For Different Roles

ROYERSFORD, PA — Spring-Ford Area School District has split the responsibilities of the Assistant Superintendent position into two positions to be filled by two highly educated and experienced women.

The Spring-Ford Area School District Board of School Directors on Sept. 27 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.

The appointments follow the restructuring plan presented to the Board on Sept. 20 by District Superintendent Robert Rizzo.

"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," explained Rizzo.

"I believe Dr. Murray and Dr. Giambattista's skillsets complement each other; together, I expect they will make a remarkable difference here at Spring-Ford," Rizzo said.

Murray, as 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.

Murray has served as the Director of Curriculum for Spring-Ford Area School District since September 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. Murray holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Immaculata University and earned her Letter of Eligibility from Immaculata in 2012.

Following her appointment, Murray said, "I feel honored and humbled to serve as Assistant Superintendent of Spring-Ford. Spring-Ford is an incredible district, due to our supportive school board, community, families, and students. I feel incredibly lucky to work with such dedicated and hard-working staff and administrative team that puts students first."

Her employment contract is effective Sept. 28, 2021 through June 30, 2025.

Giambattista, as 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.

Giambattista 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, Giambattista became an administrator in North Penn and Wissahickon School Districts where she served in a variety of leadership roles.

Giambattista is currently a Special Education Supervisor in Central Bucks School District at the secondary level. She holds a 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. 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.

"I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Spring-Ford family and am grateful for the opportunity to work in such a reputable school district," said Giambattista. "I look forward to becoming immersed in the schools and in the community. My commitment to special education has been unwavering throughout the years and I am excited to continue my career in this leadership role."

Giambattista's effective date of the employment contract is anticipated to be on or about Nov. 28, 2021 through June 30, 2025.

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