Gettysburg Area School District will have a new superintendent on July 1. At their meeting on Monday, the district’s board voted 7-2 to hire Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Matzner to replace Dr. Jason Perrin. Last month, Perrin announced his resignation effective June 30 ahead of his previously planned October retirement.
Cynthia Ayers and Michelle Smyers opposed the motion, which was included in a block vote for all human resources recommendations. They did not cite their reasoning. The district will pay Matzner $175,000 annually.
“The district is fortunate to have him here,” Perrin said. “Bright guy, things will only get better.”
Matzner joined the district as assistant superintendent in 2023 with over two decades of public education experience. In a release from the district, Matzner is credited for playing a pivotal role in enhancing academic programs, promoting professional development for educators, and implementing innovative initiatives to improve student outcomes. He also provided oversight of school assessments, assisted the superintendent in running the district, and managed federal programs, the release states.
“I look forward to continuing to work with our dedicated team and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive,” Matzner is quoted as saying in the release. “I am excited about the future of our district and the wonderful work we will accomplish together. Gettysburg is truly a great place to learn and work.”
Prior to his time at Gettysburg, Matzner served as principal at Central Dauphin Middle School for about 12 years. Starting his educational career as a teacher, Matzner’s longest-spanning teaching role was for a half decade at South Middleton School District. He taught sixth-grade math, science, geography, reading and English at Yellow Breeches Middle School before becoming assistant principal at Linglestown Middle School in Central Dauphin School District.
Matzner graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania (now named Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania) in 1996 and went on to receive a master’s degree in middle school education in 2001 from Rosemont College. In 2005, he earned his pre-kindergarten to 12th grade principal certification from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. Matzner also obtained his superintendent’s letter in 2017 and then his Doctor of Education in school system leadership a year later, both from Widener University.
As superintendent, Matzner will oversee the daily operations of the district, manage the district’s budget, work closely with the school board on developing policies to guide district operations, and ensure all educational standards for students are being met.
“Dr. Matzner is a passionate and dedicated administrator who understands the needs of our students, staff, and community,” Board President Kenny Hassinger said. “His deep appreciation for the school community combined with his years of leadership experience makes him the right fit to lead our district.”
Coaching Positions
Also on Monday, members of the community continued advocating for High School Football Coach Matt Heiser.
Heiser’s position has been posted online several times, according to Assistant Coach Wade Leedy. In 2023, the board started a practice of opening all coaching positions each season.
“I have talked to several coaches in this district and not one of them support this policy, why would they?” Justine Sieg said.
Parent Jodi Leedy commended Heiser for encouraging 12th grade students to serve as mentors for younger students.
“They have had nothing but an amazing experience acclimating themselves to the high school program,” Jodi Leedy said of her son and his friends.
Player Donte Howard said he was initially nervous when he moved to Gettysburg last year. Heiser eased his transition, Howard said, and he now enjoys being part of the Warriors. Like others, Howard urged the board to rehire Heiser.
“It wouldn’t be just a loss for the team; it would be a loss for all of us as individuals,” he said.
The board did not reply to the public’s comments. Later in the meeting, the district accepted Heiser’s resignation as an assistant track coach.
Alex J. Hayes has spent almost two decades in the Adams County news business. He is passionate about sharing stories focused on the people in our communities and following local governments in an age when few journalists report on their meetings. Alex is also a freelance writer for several other publications in South Central Pennsylvania. Alex encourages readers to contact him at ahayes83@gmail.com.
Our school board is failing our students! A school board is elected to serve the best interests of students by overseeing curriculum, policies, and budgets—not to interfere with athletics or push personal agendas. Yet, that’s exactly what’s happening in our district. Back in November, the head football coach position was posted and then closed with no changes. Now, months later, it’s suddenly reopened—why? Not because of performance, but because certain board members have a personal vendetta against the coach. Instead of supporting stability for our student-athletes, they are playing politics with our kids’ future. To make matters worse, the district… Read more »
Agree 100% There are many new and wonderful candidates for school board this year. Let’s vote in a new board and tell them to stay focused on their job.