The Pennsylvania Secretary of Education issued an order Thursday, July 17, reinstating Kristie Shulsky as principal of Moraine Elementary School in the Slippery Rock Area School District.

In rendering her decision, Carrie Rowe, acting Secretary of Education, found the allegations against Shulsky were false and there was no legitimate basis for the district to terminate her employment, according to Shulsky’s attorney, Steven E. Winslow.

In an email to the Butler Eagle, Winslow addressed the allegations and the process resulting in Shulsky’s termination.

“Among other things, the secretary found the evidence established Dr. Shulsky was not intoxicated at work,” he said. “The secretary also found that the school board violated the school code by voting to terminate Dr. Shulsky’s employment before hearing any evidence regarding the allegations.”

Winslow forwarded a copy of Rowe’s order, which states Rowe reverses the district’s decision to dismiss Shulsky, a tenured professional employee, and reinstates her. The order was mailed out on Friday, July 18.

“The district has received the opinion and order issued by the acting Secretary of Education regarding Dr. Kristie Shulsky,” superintendent Alfonso Angelucci responded regarding the decision in an email. “Obviously, the district is disappointed in the decision and will be considering its options and next steps. Like any other personnel matter, the district has no further comment.”

On Jan. 13, the school board unanimously voted to terminate Shulsky without discussing or explaining the decision. At the meeting, Angelucci declined to comment on the reason for the termination and referred to it as a personnel matter.

Shulsky is looking forward to returning to work for the students and families of Moraine Elementary School, according to Winslow.

Shulsky was originally placed on leave on April 30, 2024, at which point, assistant superintendent Susan Miller took on the principal’s duties for the remainder of the school year.

Angelucci said in May that the reason behind her absence was a personnel issue.

Debra DeBlasio was appointed as interim principal for the school Aug. 12.

An attempt by the Eagle to obtain a copy of Rowe’s order from the Department of Education on Friday was unsuccessful.