Jennifer Shroads hired as director of student services in Quaker Valley

Administration changes at Quaker Valley School District continue this school year, as the board recently hired its new director of student services.

Jennifer Shroads of South Beaver Township was tapped to replace Mike Lewis, who moved from his job overseeing federal programming, special education and the district’s school psychologists to serve as Edgeworth Elementary principal.

“I’m excited to be here,” Shroads told the board at its Jan. 22 meeting. Her first official day is scheduled for Feb. 12.

Shroads joins Quaker Valley after having served as Beaver County’s South Side Area School District’s director of pupil services for seven years. She taught in that district for six years before becoming an administrator and was a teacher at Freedom Area School District for four years before taking a job at South Side Area.

She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary/special education from Geneva College, a master’s in instructional technology from Walden University and her educational supervision certification from the University of Pittsburgh.

Shroads said she went into public education to help young learners.

“That opportunity to partner with families and students to create successful avenues for them to be successful in their educational journeys and to be contributing members of society after graduation is one of the biggest pieces (to my puzzle),” she said.

Lewis, of New Brighton, served as district director of student services since 2019. He became principal Jan. 2 and took over for Carol Sprinker, who retired in December.

Sprinker was Edgeworth Elementary’s principal for eight years. The Duquesne University grad served in the Blackhawk School District for 11 years before coming to Quaker Valley.

One of her last official acts was the start of a principal for a day program in which an elementary student got a chance to learn what takes to be the head of the school and check in on students and staff.

Lewis has been in public education for about 27 years, including stints as an elementary principal, director of special education and assistant superintendent at South Side Area School District prior to coming to Quaker Valley.

Shroads and Lewis are friends and both said they are excited to once again work in the same district.

“One of the greatest things is that as I move into my role, Mike’s going to be right down the road,” Shroads said. “He’ll be a phone call away or a quick drive. … Most people have a transition of maybe a few weeks or a month with their successor. Having Mike down the road, to be able to rely on him, he’s a wonderful guy. He’s always student-centered.”

Lewis said he loves being at Edgeworth and believes families will be in good hands with Shroads.

“Student services is kind of a catch-all for supports for students and families that aren’t directly in the classroom like teachers,” Lewis said. “We’ve known each other for many years. I think Jen is an ideal fit here just because of her student-centered approach, always focused on doing what’s best for students.

“That sometimes requires tough conversations and hard decisions, but ultimately she stays focused on what do we need to do that’s best for every kid and meeting them where they are. I think that’s an important part of it.”

Shroads’ starting salary is $122,000.