Derry Area hires alumna to fill vacant elementary principal role

A Derry Area graduate is set to return to the school district to take on leadership of its elementary school.

The school board on Thursday hired Milissa McLain to fill the vacant position of elementary principal. A member of the Derry Area Class of 1998, she’ll head the administrative staff at the district’s sole grade school, Grandview Elementary.

McLain’s new job will bring her from neighboring Greater Latrobe School District, where she works as an instructional coach and formerly was an elementary instructor. She was hired as a teacher at Greater Latrobe in 2004.

“We expect her to probably be released (by Greater Latrobe) in the next week or two,” said Derry Area Superintendent Greg Ferencak.

He said McLain stood out among a field of 16 applicants.

“She comes highly recommended,” Ferencak said. “She has a wealth of experience teaching core academics. She uses data and has a kids-first mentality.

“She has a team perspective, empowering other teachers. She leads by example and strives for excellence.”

McLain couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.

She will finish the 2023-24 school year at Grandview, receiving a salary of $93,138, prorated for the number of days worked. Her salary will increase to $95,000 on July 1, when she begins her first full academic year at Derry Area.

Until McLain reports for work, Kathy Perry, Derry Area’s director of special services, is filling in at Grandview on an interim basis, assisting associate elementary principal Daniel Boring.

McLain succeeds Kristine Higgs, who recently retired after a long career at Derry Area. Higgs’ previous roles at the district include chairing the middle school reading department.