STATE COLLEGE – The State College Area School Board of Directors on Monday unanimously approved Casey Yates to be the new Park Forest Middle School principal. She will begin at SCASD sometime after Jan. 1.
Yates comes to the district from North Carolina, where she is the principal at Brentwood Elementary and, before that, was the assistant principal at Gray’s Creek High School. Both schools are in the Cumberland County school district, which is the fifth-largest in the state.
A Pittsburgh native and Penn State graduate, the move back to State College is a true homecoming for Yates.
“I am thrilled to be closer to family and to rejoin the community that shaped so much of who I am,” Yates said. “The State College Area School District embodies the balance of academic excellence and social-emotional growth of students. I am eager to contribute by continuing to strengthen Park Forest Middle School’s positive school culture and fostering a shared vision of collaboration and success for every student and staff member.”
Yates previously spent 20 years in the same North Carolina school district. Prior to becoming an administrator, she was a fourth and fifth grade teacher and then a media coordinator for Reid Ross Classical School, a school for 6-12 grade students with a special focus on liberal arts and the use of current technology.
While serving as assistant principal at Gray’s Creek High School — a 1,500-student school — she won a 2019 Wells Fargo Outstanding Educator Award for a mentoring program between students in high school and middle school.
At Park Forest Middle School, Yates said her top priority will be to ensure every student feels safe, valued, and challenged through a supportive and engaging learning environment that empowers students to reach their full potential and succeed academically and personally.
“We are excited to welcome Casey back to Pennsylvania and to our school community,” said Jonathan Bucher, assistant superintendent for secondary education. “Casey brings a deep dedication for all students and a strong record as an instructional leader. Her experience across the elementary, middle, and high school levels gives her a comprehensive understanding of the student journey, and we are thrilled for the positive impact her leadership will bring.”
Yates received a Bachelor’s degree from Penn State, a Master’s of education from Fayetteville State University, a Master’s in media library science from Eastern Carolina University, and a Master’s in school administration from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
She succeeds Karen Wiser, whose retirement was accepted by the board in August. Tina Chambers Greene has filled in as interim principal and will continue in the role until Yates begins. After that, Greene will return to her previous position of assistant principal. Chris Weakland, who retired as SCASD athletic director, served as assistant principal.
