Upper Adams School Board on Tuesday unanimously voted to hire its new superintendent, Todd Dishong.
Through his 26 years in education, Dishong has served in numerous roles from kindergarten through 12th grade levels, according to a news release from the district. He has worked as a classroom teacher, coach, a principal at all levels, and as a superintendent. Most recently he served as assistant superintendent at Waynesboro Area School District. He obtained his doctorate in education in leadership studies at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2017.
In an interview, Dishong said he started out as a first grade teacher. He is originally from Johnstown. Dishong said he loves the close-knit feeling of smaller schools and himself graduated from a class of 69 students.
Dishong and his wife of 33 years, Lisa, moved to Adams County more than two years ago to be closer to their two sons and their families in Biglerville and Mount Holly Springs, according to the release.
Addressing the board after the vote, Dishong said he was “deeply honored” to be selected. He said he looks forward to getting to know the students, faculty and staff.
“I can tell that Canner nation is the place to be,” Dishong said. “It’s evident that Canner nation has a ‘can do’ attitude and a stick-to-itiveness — a place where ‘we can’ is prominent, where we can and will get things done, where we can and will do hard things, where we can and will tackle challenges, where we can and will grow and learn, and where we can and will make an impact.”
Don Bell served as interim superintendent since Wesley Doll left the position in January to take an assistant superintendent role at Conewago Valley School District.
Dishong’s five-year contract is set to begin July 1 with a starting salary of $165,000.
Board member Gerald Walmer said Dishong was a “unanimous pick” during the thorough search process.
“Dr. Dishong brings a great wealth of knowledge, expertise and excitement to UASD,” board President Neil Weigle said in the release. ”We want to welcome him and his family to the UASD community and look forward to working together in this great school community.”
Mary Grace Kauffman, freelance reporter, worked six years as a full-time reporter for newspapers in Pennsylvania and Maryland. She has covered topics including business, crime, education, government and features. Mary Grace has a bachelor's degree in communication/journalism from Shippensburg University. She resides in Adams County.