NTSD Welcomes Interim Administrator

NTSD is pleased to announce that a rather familiar face will be joining the administrative team!  Mrs. Karen Ionta will be serving NTSD as the Interim Director of Special Education.  Karen joins us as a beloved educator and administrator with decades of incredible experience.

Mrs. Karen Ionta, Interim Director of Special Education

Karen Ionta holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Slippery Rock University.  She also earned her Master’s Degree in Special Education, as well as a Home and School Visitor Certificate, from Slippery Rock University.  Mrs. Ionta went on to earn her Masters in K-12 Administration – Principal Certificate and Superintendent Certificate – from Westminster College.

Before her days as an administrator began, Mrs. Ionta earned her stripes as a teacher.  She taught emotional support and learning support at the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV, third grade at New Castle Area School District, and social-emotional support at Wilmington Area School District.  She was also a home and school visitor at Wilmington Area School District.

Mrs. Ionta has an extensive resume of administrative experiences.  Her first administrative role was that of Coordinator of Special Education at Wilmington Area School District.  She then became the elementary principal for Union Area Elementary School before becoming the high school principal at her home district – Neshannock Township School District.  Mrs. Ionta continued to grow professionally serving in three consecutive administrative roles with Hermitage school district – Director of Pupil Personnel and Curriculum, Assistant Superintendent, and ultimately, Superintendent.

Even in retirement, Mrs. Ionta continues to serve others through education.  In addition to currently serving NTSD, Karen previously assisted Reynolds School District as the interim superintendent.  Given her huge heart and commitment to the success of children, it is no surprise that Hermitage School District honored Mrs. Ionta by renaming the Hermitage Elementary School to the Karen A. Ionta Elementary School in 2009.

When asked how she felt about returning to Neshannock Township School District, Mrs. Ionta happily replied, “It feels wonderful!”  She noted that some things were the same, while others were drastically different.  Karen said, “It is so delightful to see former students as teachers in the District, to work with former teachers again, and to get to know the teachers who are new to me!”  Mrs. Ionta went on to say that she is genuinely looking forward to working with everyone – parents, students, teachers, administrators, and community members – once again in her home district.  Karen is also looking forward to working closely with Dr. Tracy McCalla, who will be taking on the role of Assistant to Central Administration in addition to her current role of Junior High Principal.

Welcome back, Mrs. Ionta! We are thrilled to have an administrator join our team of individuals committed to excellence!

Dr. Tracy McCalla, Junior High Principal and Assistant to Central Administration, and Mrs. Karen Ionta, Interim Director of Special Education

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