Chartiers Valley selects Joseph Dimperio as interim superintendent

A man with more than half a century of experience in public education has been tapped to lead the Chartiers Valley School District, at least in the interim.

School directors in June hired Joseph Dimperio as interim superintendent, at a rate of $725 per day without benefits or pension withholding.

“Dr. Dimperio brings a wealth of experience and passion for education,” board President Darren Mariano said. “The board is pleased to welcome such a distinguished educator to help our administration in this time of transition, and we look forward to him serving in this most crucial role.

“His leadership is essential for maintaining financial stability, professionalism, preserving educational quality and in fostering a sense of resilience within our school community.”

Dimperio, 82, of Mt. Lebanon boasts a resume of sorts, he said.

Dimperio began his career as a social studies teacher in the Western Beaver School District, and he also has been a principal and assistant principal in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and Mt. Lebanon School District.

“I loved teaching. It was a great experience, but I wanted some other educational experiences,” he said.

He worked as superintendent for the West Mifflin and Ambridge school districts, and after his retirement in 2001, filled in as either acting or interim superintendent or led the superintendent search at Peters Township, Carlynton, South Side Beaver, Allegheny Valley, Bethel Park, Sto-Rox and Upper St. Clair school districts.

Dimperio has taught a litany of college courses mostly pertaining to education at local universities. He also has served as special counsel for school districts involving parent disputes and student matters, as an expert witness in matters involving education and as an arbitrator with the state’s Labor Relations Board.

What he’s most proud of during his interim stints at other districts is that, once he left, those districts kept in touch with him for future guidance or advice.

“I try to bring people together and try to reenergize them and what they’re doing, whether it’s support staff, administrators or teachers,” he said. “This job’s main criteria is working closely with the board and working toward those goals, as well as working with staff members and respecting them.”

Chartiers Valley has been without a permanent superintendent since Johannah Vanatta resigned in February to take a job at the Blackhawk School District.

After a search, the board was considering hiring Phil Martell as superintendent in May, but he pulled his name from consideration before a vote could be taken.