BVA leader leaves for Ringgold

By KRISTIE LINDEN
klinden@yourmvi.com
One day after three Belle Vernon Area School Board members resigned, the acting superintendent accepted a job at Ringgold.
Dr. Michele Dowell has served as acting superintendent at BVA since Dr. John Wilkinson resigned in May.
Wednesday night, Dowell accepted a job as Ringgold’s curriculum director at an annual salary of $113,000.
Tuesday night, BVA directors Aaron Bialon, John M. Nusser Jr. and Daniel Sepesky all stepped down before the board meeting.
Dowell said she is unsure when she will start at Ringgold as she intends to help BVA make a smooth transition in any way she can.
Dowell has worked at BVA for almost 10 years. Prior to accepting the acting superintendent role, Dowell was principal of Marion Elementary.
Dowell said she is excited to work at Ringgold, in part, because the administration is looking to teach students in new and different ways by taking new approaches to professional development.
“I think it’s imperative,” Dowell said. “I think we have to keep learning and growing in order to get better at what we do. I think Ms. (Ringgold Superintendent Megan) Van Fossan is doing really good things here.”
Dowell said she is excited to join the administrative team at Ringgold, but added, “I love my administrative team at BVA, I’m just excited for a new opportunity.”
Dowell doesn’t have a timeline for making the move, but said Ringgold is willing to work with her, respecting her current position.
“I will not leave anyone hanging. I will do whatever I can to help with the transition in Belle Vernon, while starting here if I have to,” Dowell said.

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