Dowell stepping down as BVA superintendent

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

Belle Vernon Area School District Superintendent Dr. Michelle Dowell is taking a new job with the North Allegheny School District.

The North Allegheny School Board approved hiring Dowell as its director of student services at its meeting Wednesday night, and she is tendering her resignation with BVA. An exact date for the transition has not been set, but it’s expected to be sometime in August, according to Belle Vernon Area School Board President Dan Engstrom.

“We have a strong administrative team,” Engstrom said, crediting Dowell for developing that team. “This is a good opportunity for her. Most of her administrative experience has been with Belle Vernon.”

Dowell said the move is an opportunity for her to return to an area of education that she loves.

“I am very excited,” Dowell said. “I’m happy to go to a district and focus on areas that are near and dear to me, which is special education.”

Dowell will oversee special education, gifted education, counseling, school nurses, school psychologists and student assistance programs. 

“My first administrative position was coordinator of student services,” she said. “I appreciate all the opportunities Belle Vernon has given to me. They are an amazing group of people.”

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