East Allegheny introduces assistant superintendent Alex Novakoff, announces administrative hires and five-year teacher deal

Dr. Alex Novakoff, the district's newly introduced assistant superintendent, told the board he is excited to join East Allegheny and described a background in special education and career-technical education programs.

Novakoff said he grew up in New Kensington and that his recent work focused on expanding career-technical programs and creative funding sources. "I'm really excited to be in this district," Novakoff said, adding that he felt an immediate connection to the community.

Board leadership used the administrative report to highlight staffing moves ahead of the school year. The board introduced RJ Long as the new high school principal, Brian Ferrick in a leadership role after 19 years with the district, and George Little, who joins from the Duquesne City School District with a social-work and assistant-principal background. The board also noted grant-funded marketing and communications support from the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, to be provided by Joel Wetzel.

The meeting included a public acknowledgement of a new five-year agreement with the East Allegheny Education Association. "They recently were the recipients of a 5 year contract, which... a 5 year agreement with step raises," the board said, praising the contract as a foundation for growth.

School leaders asked the community to engage as the district implements supports such as MTSS and PBIS and as teachers return this week and students the following Tuesday. The board said recruitment and onboarding of administrators and staff are intended to support instruction and student services for the coming year.

The agenda also included routine personnel items (including the acceptance of a resignation referenced by the board) and procedural votes to approve minutes and the agenda before moving into the rest of the meeting.