Craig Skaluba officially started his new position as Superintendent of Muncy School District on January 1st. He is standing next to a hand made textile banner near his office door that he admired when he first arrived.

MUNCY – A new career change and a planned move to Muncy Borough are in store for Craig Skaluba, the new Superintendent who took over January 1st for Muncy School Distirict.

After graduating from Penn State in 1998, Skaluba declared that he wanted to teach. He majored in Secondary education with a minor in biology and general science. “When I was a kid, I always wanted to know how and why things work,” said the 40 year old administrator. “My favorite teacher was Mr. Larkin who taught Biology at my high school in Dunmore,” he added.

He was greeted by his staff on Friday, January 23rd with a surprise birthday celebration. Knowing he turned 40 that day, they surprised him with some edible treats, a gift wrapped bag, and “Over the Hill” decorations all around the walls.

“I don’t feel over the hill,” he laughed. For he has coached cross country, softball, teener league, and AYSO soccer as well as being a class advisor for 12 years at Sullivan County High School. In 2010, he became the high school principal, and in 2012 the acting Superintendent after receiving his principal certification and letter of eligibility from Marywood University. In 2013 he signed a contract with Sullivan County as Superintendent. He is continuing his education and is currently working on his doctorate’s dissertation in Human Development with a specialization in Education Leadership.

After he was informed of the vacancy left from Dr. Portia Brandt, he decided to apply for the Superintendent position at Muncy. He was hired last fall and he and his wife, Shannon, their stepson, Grant, and daughter Chloe are looking forward to moving into their new home (which is really an historic home) on S. Main Street in April. “I am really looking forward to not having the commute,” he said, “and be able to spend more quality time with my family.”

Muncy reminds him of his small hometown of Dunmore where he grew up with his parents, brother and sister. “So far I’ve been very impressed with this district,” he added. The student population in Muncy is almost double from that of Sullivan County.

This month he has met with his administrative team and each of his staff members individually. Next he plans on visiting each classroom and getting to know the students in the two buildings. “I really miss the interaction with the kids,” he said. “you lose some of this when being an administrator.”

A letter was sent home to all of the parents announcing his transition and his development for an entry plan for the next six months “to meet the people of Muncy, learn the culture of Muncy, and evaluate the current systems of the Muncy School District.” From this information, he hopes to develop a vision and goals for the district.

On Friday afternoon he attended the pep rally at the high school in the gym to help cheer the wrestlers against Hughesville that night.

“Everyone is working hard here, and my best interest is always for the students,” he concluded, “and to make the team stronger.”

A reception is being planned to welcome Skaluba to Lycoming County this Thursday evening, January 29 at the Williamsport Country Club by the Education Committee of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.