The Phoenixville Area Board of School Directors proudly announces the appointment of Melissa “Missy” McTiernan to serve as the next superintendent of the Phoenixville Area School District.
McTiernan comes to Phoenixville following a historic and successful tenure at the helm of the 9,300 student Scranton School District where she was known for her unwavering dedication and passion for the students of her district.
“After a rigorous national search that resulted in many outstanding candidates, Missy McTiernan clearly rose to the top, impressing the Board with her drive, pragmatic leadership style, and commitment to ensuring equitable opportunities were available for every student in her district,” said Susan Turner, President, Phoenixville Area Board of School Directors. “We are grateful to Dr. Fegley for his leadership over the past thirteen years, and while he leaves behind big shoes to fill, we are confident that Mrs. McTiernan has the experience and drive to continue to move PASD forward and provide our students with a world-class education.”
A northeast Pennsylvania native, McTiernan has risen through the ranks of the Scranton School District, a diverse district with more than fifty languages spoken. Her career in education began after a successful tenure on the UConn National Champion Women’s Basketball team that propelled the program to historic success. Most recently, McTiernan served as chief academic officer in Scranton for three years, before being promoted to superintendent in 2019.
Prior to joining the central office in Scranton, McTiernan spent more than a decade in building level administration, serving as an assistant principal or principal with experience across the full range of K-12 students. She also spent six years in the classroom as a teacher in districts in Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
McTiernan earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Connecticut, where she was a four-time Big East Academic All-Star, and a master’s degree from Wilkes University in Educational Leadership. She plans to move to the District with her husband, Bob, who was also a long-time education leader in Pennsylvania.
A Letter from Mrs. McTiernan to the PASD Community
Dear Phoenixville School District Community,
I am delighted to introduce myself as your new superintendent, Melissa (Missy) McTiernan. It is truly an honor to join this remarkable community.
With nearly 25 years of experience in education, I have served as a teacher, vice principal, principal, Chief Academic Officer, and most recently, as the superintendent of the Scranton School District. As a proud graduate of the University of Connecticut and a former UConn women's basketball player, I bring with me the same dedication and teamwork that defined my time on the court to my work in education.
In addition to my professional accomplishments, I am also a proud grandmother and have two stepchildren who bring me immense joy.
My passion for education and commitment to serving all students are at the core of my beliefs. As my husband and I become a part of this vibrant community, we cannot wait to immerse ourselves in all that Phoenixville has to offer. In the coming months, my focus will be on listening and learning, as I seek to understand the unique qualities and needs of this wonderful community.
You can expect to see me actively engaged in schools, attending school and community events, and even strolling through downtown. As someone new to the area, I will rely on the support and guidance of each and every one of you to help me navigate this transition successfully.
I eagerly anticipate collaborating with all of you as we forge ahead together. This new journey fills me with great excitement, and I am confident that, together, we will achieve remarkable things.
Sincerely,
Melissa (Missy) McTiernan