Bald Eagle Area hires new superintendent for five-year contract after 4 month search

Bald Eagle Area School District has hired a new superintendent prior to the start of the school year, according to a post on the district’s Facebook page.

Curtis A. Whitesel was approved by the board for a five-year contract with the district on Thursday night. Whitesel is currently the superintendent of Homer-Center School District in Indiana County, a position he’s served since 2019. He has also served as a high school principal and is a member of the PIAA District VI Athletic Committee.

“I am extremely excited to join the Bald Eagle Area School District family,” Whitesel said in the post. “There is no other school district I would rather be part of, and I know we will do great things together. I look forward to getting to know the students, staff, and community that makes the Bald Eagle Area one of the premier districts in the state.”

The district’s hiring process started in March, when former Superintendent Scott Graham resigned, with Joseph Clapper taking his place as interim superintendent. Clapper will continue to serve the district until Oct. 1, or until Whitesel arrives at Bald Eagle.

Whitesel was chosen out of 20 applicant to fill the role and has degrees in elementary education and special education.

“The Board of Education is delighted that Mr. Curt Whitesel will be joining Bald Eagle Area as our Superintendent,” Tina Greene, board president, said. “We look forward to working alongside of Mr. Whitesel as he brings his experience and excellent leadership to our school community.”