Former Upper St. Clair Superintendent To Take New Job

McCANDLESS, PA - The North Allegheny School District is poised to name Patrick O'Toole interim superintendent at the next school board meeting on May 20. He will succeed Robert Scherrer, who was recently appointed executive director of the Allegheny Intermediate Unit.

Following a career in public education that spans almost 40 years, O’Toole retired from Upper St. Clair School District in 2018 after serving as Superintendent for 11 years. In 2012, he was named the Pennsylvania superintendent of the year by the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators.

During his tenure, Dr. O’Toole provided effective leadership on numerous projects and programs. He led strategic planning efforts; the expansion of STEAM opportunities; the creation of the Innovation Hubs; the enhancement of the Professional Learning Communities model; the renovation of Boyce and Fort Couch middle schools; and the building of a new aquatics complex and administration center.

“The North Allegheny School Board is pleased that Dr. Patrick O'Toole has agreed to lead the district as the interim superintendent, and we are confident that he will provide a seamless transition as Dr. Scherrer moves into his new role leading the Allegheny Intermediate Unit,” school board president Richard McClure said in a district release.

“The superintendent search process will likely take several months and identifying a strong interim leader is critical, particularly as the district navigates the new challenges of COVID-19. Dr. O'Toole's past experiences and successes make him a great fit to lead North Allegheny during this critical time.”

Throughout his career, Dr. O’Toole has served as a high school principal, assistant high school principal, and elementary teacher. Prior to joining Upper St. Clair, O’Toole served as superintendent in the South Butler County and Shenango Area school districts.

"North Allegheny is a great school district that is entering a phase of leadership transition. I plan to use my energy and experience to assist the school community,” O’Toole said. “I appreciate the board's confidence in me and look forward to working with them as we advance the mission of the District."

A graduate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania, O’Toole holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. He earned a master’s degree in educational administration and a doctorate in administration and policy studies from the University of Pittsburgh. In 2016, Clarion University honored him with its distinguished alumni award. O’Toole resides in Cranberry Township with his wife, Tracey, a chemistry teacher in the Seneca Valley School District, and their son, Patrick.