Machesky appointed UASD superintendent
Come July 1, Chuck Machesky will take over the reins as Uniontown Area School District’s top administrator. The school board has named the district’s special and alternative education director to replace retiring superintendent Dr. Darrell Uphold.
Machesky said he is happy and anxious about this opportunity, that he feels prepared and is approaching the job with confidence.
“I really feel Uniontown is a premier district here and have had a burning desire to pursue this job,” Machesky said. “I’m happy to be in a position to continue to provide effective leadership in the district.”
Machesky said the items he expects to consider immediately on taking over the duties of superintendent will be any retirements that come through at the end of the current school year, the effects of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, continued focus on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and consideration of other assessments.
“I’m thankful to the school board and Dr. Uphold, who mentored me,” Machesky said.
He added that he wants to dedicate his efforts to the person who inspired him throughout his career: his father, Stanley.
An educator 271/2 years, Machesky worked 171/2 years for the Intermediate Unit 7, Westmoreland County, in the Belle Vernon Area School District. He started in June 1992 as principal of Uniontown’s mountain area schools, serving six years. He has been the director of special education and alternative education the past four years, with some fill-in duties with federal programs. He has his superintendent’s letter of eligibility from the University of Pittsburgh, where he remains enrolled in the pursuit of a doctoral degree.
The school board hired Machesky at a recent special meeting, after a lengthy executive session during which board members also interviewed school district administrator Richard Constantine and Lafayette School principal Dr. William Dickinson.
School board president Harry “Dutch” Kaufman said the board gave Machesky a three-year contract with a $90,000 starting salary, with terms and further raises to come through the Act 93 administrators’ agreement. This is a $10,000 raise from his current salary.
School board member Ron Machesky, Machesky’s brother, abstained from the vote.
“I was very pleased with the work Mr. Machesky has done in the district for the past decade, and I believe he will pick up where Dr. Uphold leaves off and will work for the school district hand in hand with our board of directors,” Kaufman said. “Our focus has been on excellence in education, a safe and secure environment and on completing the renovations and building projects, and I expect our district to continue in that direction.”
Kaufman said the school board looked internally for the new superintendent because they have qualified candidates there, although he said they did not know how many had the superintendent’s credentials. He spoke well of Constantine and Dickinson.
“It was a tough decision for the board and I believe he (Machesky) will do a fine job,” Kaufman said. “We’re excited about the hiring, but we certainly will miss Dr. Uphold. He’s been a strong foundation in our district, but I don’t blame him for retiring.”
Uphold leaves the superintendent’s office June 28 after working 40 years for the school district.
“I don’t have any specific plans. A lot of people are asking me what I’m going to do when I retire. I say, retire,” Uphold said.
He said he enjoys the outdoors, travel and volunteer service. He said he would like to volunteer his efforts to the school district, noting he has experience with successful grant writing. “I’d just like to be an advocate for the district,” he said.
Uphold completed his undergraduate work at California University of Pennsylvania, earned a master’s degree at West Virginia University, did graduate work at the University of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania State University, received his doctorate at WVU and did post-doctoral studies at the University of Pittsburgh.
He started working in Uniontown schools as a chemistry teacher and advanced to building level administrator, federal funds coordinator, assistant superintendent and then superintendent.
He said he moved into the district when his daughter reached junior high school because he thought it was a place where his children, Bonnie and Alan, could get a good education. His wife, Norma, is a graduate and employee of the district. “I’m extremely appreciative of what Uniontown Area School District means to me. I appreciate the cooperation the board has given me.”