From the PHEA website

Nosmo King Sat Dec 18, 2010 2:46 pm

PHEA Welcomes the New Superintendent
Submitted by PHEA on Wed, 12/08/2010 - 18:10
Posted in NEWS
During Monday's board meeting, the Penn Hills School Board elected Mr. Thomas Washington to lead our district as Superintendent of Schools. On behalf of the over 350 members of the Penn Hills Education Association we would like to offer our congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Washington and his family as he begins his tenure at Penn Hills.

Yesterday we received email correspondence from Jolene Vitalos, President of the Bethlehem Area Education Association. She praised Mr. Washington for the job he's done at Bethlehem Area:

"He is a problem solver. He is fair and transparent. It is an excellent working relationship we have and although I am thrilled that he is moving forward, I am saddened that I am being left behind." - Jolene Vitalos, President Bethlehem Area Education Association

Penn Hills is desperately in need of a strong, capable leader, someone who is willing to make tough decisions in the interest of student achievement. We need a man of vision and integrity who is willing to answer the tough questions and when necessary admit when they are wrong. We need an educational leader who isn't afraid to stand up to the school board. We need a leader that seeks the advice and feedback of not just his central office staff but those of us on the front lines of education.

We are lucky in Penn Hills to have a strong, vibrant Parent-Teacher Associations. These parents work diligently to insure that Penn Hills is a great place to live and learn. Over the past few months, our district has ignored and disregarded their opinions and recommendations. We hope that you will make it a priority to involve parents and community members in the development of curriculum and the program of studies.

Penn Hills was once a vibrant, thriving community. We hope that with your help we can regain some of the glory that has been lost. If Ms. Vitalos' comments are any indication of your abilities, we expect great things from you.