Knoch hires new intermediate elementary principal
JEFFERSON TWP — Knoch School District made an addition to its leadership team that incoming superintendent Melissa Grantz said will bring experience, leadership and dedication to the intermediate elementary school.
Jessica Sapsara was appointed as the new principal of Knoch Intermediate Elementary School at the school board’s meeting Wednesday, May 13. She succeeds Kim Fitzgerald following her retirement.
“Dr. Sapsara brings a strong background in instructional leadership, curriculum development and student-centered practices to our district,” Grantz said in an announcement.
Sapsara is currently serving as an assistant principal in the Ringgold School District, located in Monongahela, Washington County. Her roles have included collaborating with staff and stakeholders to create master schedules, coordinating state and benchmark assessments, participating in student support planning meetings, conducting teacher observations and developing communications for families and community members.
She has a master’s degree in education with a concentration in elementary and middle school mathematics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In May 2016, she earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Duquesne University.
In addition to her administrative experience, Sapsara has served as a mathematics teacher and director of curriculum and assessment. In those roles, she coordinated federal programs and Title I initiatives and managed school improvement planning efforts designed to support student growth and achievement.
“Dr. Sapsara has extensive experience coaching teachers to support instructional growth and student success. Additionally, she helped develop and implement PBIS programming designed to positively impact students’ academic, behavioral and social development,” Grantz said in her announcement.
