Quaker Valley School District welcomes Mr. Brett Slezak as the new Quaker Valley School District Director of Innovation. Slezak will join Quaker Valley on January 2, 2024. He inherits the position from current director Karyn Dobda, who will retire as of January 17, 2024.
“It is my great pleasure to welcome Mr. Brett Slezak to Quaker Valley as the new Director of Innovation, effective January 2024,” said Quaker Valley Superintendent Dr. Tammy A. Andreyko, “Mr. Slezak brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the field of innovation and educational leadership, which aligns seamlessly with the District's commitment to fostering creativity and forward-thinking within our learning environment. Mr. Slezak's innovative vision is perfectly aligned with our district's mission to empower all learners to design their best future.”
Slezak joins the District after serving as the Director of Technology at Bethel Park School District for the past two years. Prior to this role at Bethel Park, Slezak served as the Supervisor of Technology at the Allegheny Valley School District for four years. During his service to Allegheny Valley, he was the recipient of the PETE&C Administrator of the Year Award in 2020.
“I am unbelievably grateful and humbled and super nervous to fill the gigantic shoes of Karyn [Dobda] and really looking forward to getting started,” said Slezak at Monday’s Board meeting. “I hope I can continue the legacy and continue to serve the constituents, students, and staff here at Quaker Valley.”
Slezak has extensive experience applying for and coordinating grants to fund STEAM education, workforce readiness, computer science access, and more.
Mr. Jonathan Kuzma, School Board President, also welcomed Slezak on Monday evening, “On behalf of the school board, I would like to welcome Mr. Slezak to Quaker Valley. Going forward, technology will continue to play an important role in the classroom and we look forward to Mr. Slezak helping to foster a dynamic learning environment that is part of the Quaker Valley Difference. This role has a tradition of innovative excellence as shown by the recent induction of the District into the League of Innovative Schools and the Middle School's recognition as an Apple Distinguished School. We are excited about this tradition continuing and the positive impact he will have on our students and teachers."
Prior to his roles in educational leadership, Slezak served as a Health and Physical Education Teacher in the Allegheny Valley Schools. While teaching, he was a grant coordinator for the “From Fittsburgh to Fittsdale,” a program funded by Fitt Co. to incorporate digital citizenship and social media in the physical education curriculum.
In addition to his experience teaching in a public school setting, Mr. Slezak also serves as an adjunct professor in Carlow University’s STEM Endorsement program.