New principal Delp no stranger to Seneca Valley
Seneca Valley Intermediate Principal Matthew Delp is no stranger to the district or its model for success in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Delp taught science and biology at Seneca Valley from 2002-08 before he accepted an administrative position in the Freedom Area School District.
He later was hired as assistant principal at Pine Richland High School, then assistant principal at North Allegheny Intermediate School before his career came full circle.
“I'm looking forward to reestablishing the positive relationships I had in the district,” said Delp, 38, of Valencia.
Seneca Valley School Board members unanimously approved the hire at their Aug. 17 meeting.
Delp said he helped incorporate robotics to the technology education program at North Allegheny Intermediate in partnership with the Carnegie Mellon University robotics institute.
Seneca Valley Superintendent Tracy Vitale said his credentials are “exemplary.”
“His thorough background of teaching middle school science and high school biology will be an asset to the district in furthering and enhancing our STEM related classes,” Vitale said.
What separates the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) model at Seneca Valley from many other districts is the progressive infusion of arts, creativity and design, Delp said.
“In the labor market there's a large opportunity for students to explore careers in those areas, and ninth grade is a great place to start,” Delp said.
Delp also could be an asset to the district when Keystone exams are administered at the intermediate school.
He played a role in the inception of the biology tests as a member of a statewide committee, which translated to new responsibilities at the districts where he worked.
“I've coordinated all testing in ninth and 10th grades,” Delp said. “I had to make sure students were appropriately placed and determine which exams should be given to students who weren't proficient.”
In addition to a new job, Delp has a busy year ahead of him.
He plans to get married in October and finish a dissertation next spring for a doctorate degree at University of Pittsburgh.
Kyle Lawson is a freelance writer for Trib Total Media.
