The Kiski Area Central Office Administrative team is made up of the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Administrative Assistant for Curriculum and Instruction, and the Director of Student Support Services. This team oversees all aspects of the educational environment within the Kiski Area School District. We pride ourselves on the standard of excellence for which the district is known.

James R. Dick Assistant Superintendent

Mr. Dick has been with the Kiski Area School District since 1996. Prior to his arrival he was the Superintendent of the Ligonier Valley School District. Mr. Dick has served as a high school principal (5 years), assistant principal (6 years), elementary teacher (4 years) and a special education teacher (9 years). He earned his Bachelors Degree at Slippery Rock University and then attended the University of West Virginia where he earned his Masters Degree and Post-Masters certificates.

The purpose of the office of Assistant Superintendent is to provide the best possible learning environment for the students. This is accomplished by recruiting, hiring, and retaining high quality employees in all departments of the school district. This office also manages and monitors student attendance and handles student registration; as well as buildings and grounds.

Ms. Patrick Hefflin Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Ms. Patrick Hefflin has dedicated her life to serving children through education. She has nine years experience teaching Physics and Calculus; and six years experience as a school administrator in the Pittsburgh Public School District. Ms. Hefflin has earned two Masters Degrees in Education and Administration, followed by doctoral studies, all at Duquesne University. She completed the requirements for both Elementary and Secondary Principal's certifications in 1998 and Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility in 2003. Ms. Hefflin joined the Kiski Area School District in 2004 as teh principal of the Intermediate School.  During her three years as principal she and her staff were able to accomplish many things that improved student performance and school environment.   Ms. Hefflin's vision and focus is to make every student feel welcomed, cared for, and provided the best educational experience.

The office of Administrative Assistant for Curriculum and Instruction is responsible for all instructional programs and staff development. This office monitors curricular offerings, assessment results, and instructional practices. Professional development programs are available to all staff members. The primary goals of all professional development are to enhance instruction and increase student achievement.

Mr. Ray M. Milke Director of Student Support Services

Ray M. Milke was hired in October 2002 as interim Director of Special Education and in June 2003 became Director of Student Support Services. Mr. Milke is no stranger to Kiski. He served the district as a School Psychologist for the Westmorland Intermediate Unit for several years before accepting an administrative position as Director of Student Support Services for the Ligonier Valley School District in 2000. Prior to his role as school psychologist for WIU- 7/Kiski Mr. Milke worked as a Research Specialist at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). There, he performed neuropsychological evaluations and conducted various research projects. In 1998 he was published in the journal Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine and was the lead author for a research project published in 1999 by and for the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Before working at WPIC/UPMC Mr. Milke provided psychological and assessment services to various school districts as well as business and industry. Mr. Milke received his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and both is Master of Science and Education Degree and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from Duquesne University.

The Director of Student Support Services reports directly to the Superintendent of Schools. This position entails acting as LEA, Transition Coordinator, overseeing Special Education, and serving as the Section 504 coordinator. This office is also responsible for overseeing guidance and nursing services, as well as, the Gifted Support and Student Assistance Programs.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding a district or building issue, contact the building principal first. The central office administration is available to help resolve the situation if it is not able to be resolved at the building level.