The State College Area School Board on Monday unanimously approved the appointment of the district’s new human resources executive director and compliance/Title IX officer.
Michelle Simpson will succeed Linda Pierce, who is retiring in June.
Simpson comes to SCASD from the Bellefonte Area School District, where she was the human resources director since 2016 and served as Title IX and compliance officer.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity given me to serve the staff of the Bellefonte Area School District as the human resources director,” Simpson said in a news release. “I appreciate the outstanding support I received from the board of school directors, administration, staff and community allowing me to advance the Human Resources Department. I will forever treasure my time with this district.
“As a lifelong resident of Centre County, it will be an honor to serve the staff of the State College Area School District and be a member of their leadership team. I am excited for the opportunity to serve as the State College Area School District’s human resources executive director and compliance/Title IX officer, and work with the established human resources team. This district’s mission to prepare students for lifelong success through excellence in education is possible with staff who feel supported by the human resources team.”
Simpson previously was assistant to the Bellefonte superintendent for seven years and the executive secretary to the Juniata Valley School District superintendent for 12 years.
A graduate of Bald Eagle Area High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and master’s degree in human resources management from St. Francis University.
She is tentatively scheduled to start in her role in State College on May 13.
“I am excited to welcome Michelle Simpson to the State College Area School District community,” SCASD Superintendent Curtis Johnson said in a statement. “She comes to us with a wealth of human resource experience, including as a Title IX coordinator and DEIB and collective bargaining liaison/facilitator. Not to mention, her service-driven leadership and strong passion for assisting others made her an ideal candidate. We look forward to working with her as we strive to meet our employees’ needs.”
