Ambridge Area School District faces calls for transparency in superintendent's compensation

The Ambridge Area School Board meeting held on September 19, 2024, focused on transparency in administrative compensation and performance evaluations. Community members expressed concerns regarding the lack of publicly available information about Superintendent Dr. Pasquale's salary and performance standards.

During the meeting, resident Christina Bridal raised issues about the transparency of the school district's hiring practices and the posting of administrative salaries. She noted that while the salaries of newly hired teachers and a curriculum director were publicly available, Dr. Pasquale's compensation details were not. Bridal emphasized that citizens have repeatedly requested this information, which she believes is essential for community trust.

In response, board members clarified that Dr. Pasquale's compensation is tied to his performance evaluations, which are documented and available upon request under the Right to Know law. They assured attendees that the necessary information regarding his performance goals and evaluations has been posted on the district's website for the current school year and previous years.

The discussion highlighted ongoing efforts to improve communication between the school board and the community, with board members acknowledging the importance of transparency. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ensure that residents can access the information they seek regarding administrative roles and evaluations.

Overall, the meeting underscored the school board's intention to maintain open lines of communication with the community while addressing concerns about transparency in administrative matters.