Allegheny Valley School District renews Superintendent Pat Graczyk's contract through 2029

Patrick Graczyk will lead the Allegheny Valley School District through the 2028-29 school year.

The school board Aug. 15 approved Graczyk’s contract for a term effective July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2029.

He will receive a base salary of nearly $182,000 for the 2024-25 school year, according to the contract. He will get a 2% salary increase each year thereafter contingent upon receiving a “proficient” or “distinguished” performance review as determined by the school board.

“I am just so honored to serve Allegheny Valley as the superintendent of schools,” he said. “I have shared this many of times, being a part of this family reminds me quite a bit of where I grew up. And I absolutely love the people, I love the kids, I enjoy every facet of the work that we do, and I especially like working with all of you.

“We all come in different shapes and sizes and personalities, and I really do enjoy that, and I am so grateful for this opportunity. I won’t let you down,” Graczyk said.

Responsibilities outlined in the contract include recommending to hire and fire employees, supervise administration, suggest policies, help prepare and establish the district’s budget, attend all board meetings and submit a report, and to maintain open forms of communication among the board and school staff.

Graczyk will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the school district, subject to adopted policies by the board, the contract said.

He was first hired by the district in 2015. He previously worked as assistant to the superintendent in Highlands.

He graduated from Highlands High School in 1990 and taught middle school English and social studies at that district in 1996. He was principal of Grandview Elementary School at Highlands before moving into district administration.

A superintendent performance evaluation released by the Allegheny Valley School District in June found Graczyk to be “proficient” in his duties. The evaluation is conducted yearly. It monitors performance in areas of student growth and achievement, organizational leadership, district operations and financial management, communication and community relations, human resource management and professionalism.

“Dr. Patrick Graczyk has met and exceeded many of the educational goals for our district this year. The many challenges our school district has faced have been handled efficiently and effectively,” the statement said.