Pottsville Searching for New Superintendent, Hires Interim

Pottsville Area School District says it’s actively searching for its next Superintendent, with the goal of making an announcement by late summer.

In the interim, the Board has appointed Dr. Alan Lonoconus as Acting Superintendent, effective July 28.

This transition follows the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Sarah Yoder, who is stepping down on July 27 after four years of leadership.

Yoder is leaving Pottsville Area after recently accepting a job as Director of Innovative Educational Services at the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU).

In a statement released Wednesday, school board president Linda Wytovich says “Dr. Yoder led with vision, heart, and integrity. She guided our district to financial strength, invested in our students and staff, and strengthened our sense of community. Her legacy is lasting, and we are profoundly grateful for all she has done.”

Yoder calls her time at the helm at Pottsville Area as “the privilege of my professional career.”

“It has been the privilege of my professional career to serve as superintendent of the Pottsville Area School District—a place my husband, children and I proudly call home,” Yoder says. “This is a remarkable community with incredible people, outstanding programming, and a powerful spirit. I will miss it dearly. Thank you to the Board for your support and leadership, and thank you to the community for your continued partnership.”

Pottsville’s Next Superintendent

Pottsville says its newest interim Superintendent, Lonoconus, has decades of experience in public education. According to his LinkedIn profile, Lonoconus has served as Superintendent at Southern Columbia, Shikellamy, and Great Valley school districts.

“We are grateful to Dr. Lonoconus for helping our district continue the great work already underway,” Wytovich says. “His leadership will help ensure a smooth and stable transition.”

To find Yoder’s replacement, Pottsville Area has contracted the services of Templeton Advantage. Interviews with prospective candidates are currently underway, the school says. The school adds that its search process will emphasize transparency and community engagement through community-based surveys and focus groups.

“This role is one of the most important in our district, and we’re committed to getting it right for our students,” Wytovich says. “We are conducting a thorough and inclusive search that reflects the values of our community and keeps students at the center of every decision.”

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