Aug 19, 2005 By Joyce Koballa 2 min read

PERRYOPOLIS – Dr. Dennis Spinella said he’s a strong advocate of education, an attribute that he plans to build on over the next four years as the new superintendent of the Frazier School District. The Frazier School Board on Thursday unanimously hired Spinella at a salary of $95,000 under a four-year contract.

Spinella, a native of Mount Pleasant and graduate of Southmoreland High School, said he was happy to return to the area after serving for the last two years as the assistant superintendent of a suburban Philadelphia school district.

“I’m delighted to be back here. It feels like I’m home again,” said Spinella.

Spinella will officially enter the position on Sept. 1, taking the place of Dr. Frederick Smeigh, who held the reigns for the last 12 years before announcing his retirement in April.

Spinella said Smeigh’s impeccable reputation with Frazier contributed to his decision to apply for the superintendent’s position.

“I knew this was an excellent place to come and work,” said Spinella.

While Spinella is new to the district, he is no stranger to education, having 30 years experience under his belt, 25 of them in administration, including the positions of principal and director of curriculum and instruction.

During his first few months at Frazier, Spinella said he plans to meet extensively with the staff, administration and school board to look for additional ways to further enhance the district’s accolades.

“The district appears to be ahead of the curve,” Spinella added.

Spinella, a graduate of California University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh, said his educational career began in the Allegheny Valley School District where he taught sixth grade.

Spinella and his wife, Becky, a former teacher, have five daughters residing in the Greensburg and Pittsburgh areas, while four of them are educators.

“I know Dr. Spinella will move us to the next plateau,” said Smeigh.

As Smeigh departs at the end of the month, colleagues Barbara Mehalov, middle school principal, Linda Nelson, K-12 supervisor of special education, curriculum and instruction and D. Diane Morgan, administrative assistant to the superintendent and board secretary, were also prepared to retire, but agreed to stay on a per diem basis until their positions are filled.

Morgan will be replaced by Tom Shetterly, business manager, beginning in September at a rate of $200 per month.