May 30, 2007

Deputy Superintendent to take helm of Pennsylvania school district

John Allison, deputy superintendent with Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, has been named Superintendent of Schools for Mt. Lebanon School District near Pittsburgh, effective July 9. Allison has been with GCISD since July 2002.

“Without a doubt this was the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make,” Allison, 43, said. “I have grown to love this community, and have been privileged to serve alongside the outstanding teachers and staff in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. The experience I gained here will serve me well in Mt. Lebanon, and I am excited about the new challenges. This is a wonderful opportunity for my family and me and we are looking forward to becoming part of our new community.”

Superintendent Kay Waggoner says she is extremely proud and supportive of Allison being named to Superintendent, indicating that GCISD’s loss is Mt. Lebanon’s gain.

“John embodies all the traits that will make him an outstanding and successful school superintendent,” Waggoner said. “He is truly dedicated to public education, connects well with members of the community and is extremely knowledgeable about curriculum and instruction. He is an advocate for students and understands the importance of establishing relationships and involving stakeholders in educational decisions. John is a phenomenal person and a tremendous contributor to our administrative team. He will be missed terribly.”

At GCISD, Allison directs and oversees all educational services, administration, curriculum and instruction, staff development, assessment, technology, special services, athletics and student activities. He has been instrumental in multiple successes for the District including:
• Development of a comprehensive Long Range Plan for the District
• Coordination of the District Excellence Committee
• Actively involved in setting the District’s technology path
• Contributed to a successful 2005 bond election
• Establishment of the current high school schedule

He also served as interim superintendent in 2004 following Superintendent Dr. Kevin Singer’s departure and before the hiring of Dr. Waggoner. Allison is a member of the Board of the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce and has been a primary coordinator of the Grapevine Holiday Parade each year since joining the district.

Allison has 20 years’ experience in public education, most of which has been in Kansas. Prior to working at GCISD, Allison served as associate superintendent for Education Services in the Shawnee Mission, Kan., School District. Previous administrative experience includes serving as assistant principal of curriculum and instruction for a grade 9-12 high school, assistant principal/activities director for a grade 5-8 middle school and assistant middle school principal. Prior to that, he taught high school for seven years and coached a number of different sports.

Allison earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree from Emporia State University. He has completed all coursework for a doctorate in education leadership from St. Louis University. He and his wife Ramie, a physical education teacher at Grapevine Elementary and that campus’ teacher of the year for 2006-2007, have two children, Cade, 14, and Cooper, 10.

Allison’s last day in GCISD will be July 5. The position of Deputy Superintendent will be posted within the next week and a committee will begin reviewing applications in June.