McKeesport assistant superintendent promoted from within district ranks

McKeesport Area School District's new assistant superintendent is dedicated to professional development and the betterment of students.

The school board in December unanimously appointed Harry Bauman to his new position.

“My job is to make sure that I'm assisting these teachers in assisting these kids,” Bauman said.

The vote was 7-0, because directors Christopher Halaszynski and Steven Kondrosky were absent.

“Dr. Bauman is an excellent choice,” board president Patricia Maksin said. “He brings a lot to the table.”

He was the K-12 curriculum and transformation coordinator prior to the promotion.

“It's been a nice career. I've just enjoyed education,” Bauman said.

Bauman succeeds Rula Skezas, who was named superintendent in October.

Skezas said Bauman will have new responsibilities while maintaining his curriculum coordinator tasks.

“I have great respect for Dr. Rula Skezas and her leadership here in the district,” Bauman said. “I really appreciate having the opportunity to work with her.”

Bauman, 56, grew up in the city's Christy Park neighborhood and graduated from McKeesport in 1975. He currently lives in Forest Hills.

Bauman said one thing keeps him coming back to his hometown of McKeesport.

“It's the families,” he said. “The families and the relationships are the big thing. When you're talking to a kid, whether it's a 7-year-old or a 16-year-old, you often know their uncles and their parents and their siblings. Even in a place that's struggling with poverty, there are still strong families.”

Bauman served the district in multiple capacities for 30 years.

He began his career as a high school special education teacher from 1980-1995. He was the high school assistant principal from 1995-2003, and principal from 2003-2007.

Bauman was Founders' Hall Middle School principal from 2007-2010, and district curriculum coordinator from 2010 to December 2013.

Bauman's role as assistant superintendent gives him a bit more authority for the implementation of peer instructional rounds. It is an initiative in which teachers observe each other in action in an effort to grow in their capacity and abilities.

“That's something that I hold dear and want to really run with as an assistant (superintendent),” Bauman said.

Bauman lauded the wisdom of retired high school history teacher Bud Geissler Sr., and how his advice created a positive focus.

“What I always come back to is working for the kids,” Bauman said. “As a teacher, that was the biggest and highest priority. Every decision made should be about the kids and what's best for them.”

Bauman's assistant superintendent contract is effective through Dec. 11, 2018, at an annual salary of $120,000.

Director Trisha Gadson said Bauman was selected from five candidates, who all work in the district.

Gadson said Bauman's extensive knowledge and experience and his recent work with the state Department of Education separated him from the pack.

Bauman received a Bachelor of Science degree in education and teaching certification from Pennsylvania State University in 1980. He earned a master's degree in education and an administrative certificate from Duquesne University in 1987, and received a doctorate of education and superintendent letter of eligibility from Duquesne University in 2011.

Bauman is involved in various organizations such as the National Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals, Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators, and the Pennsylvania Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development. He is a member of the district's grant writing team and math curriculum selection committee.

Michael DiVittorio is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-664-9161, ext. 1965, or mdivittorio@tribweb.com.