Dr. Maluchnik has accepted the position of Superintendent of Schools with the Woodland Hills School District. Dr. Maluchnik expresses deep gratitude for his time in Wilkinsburg, highlighting the district's progress and the strong relationships he has built over the past six years.
Statement to staff from February 4, 2025:
Dear Wilkinsburg School District,
With a heavy heart, I have formally announced my resignation from the Wilkinsburg School District, approved at last Tuesday evening's board meeting. As many of you already know, I have accepted the position of Superintendent of Schools with the Woodland Hills School District.
I apologize for the delay in sending this message, but due to the relationships that have been cultivated and the love I have for this school district, this has been one of the most difficult personal and professional decisions of my career. This decision was incredibly difficult and bittersweet, as Wilkinsburg has been my home for the past six years. I have cherished my time here and deeply appreciate the dedication, passion, and resilience of our staff in providing the best possible education for our students, helping them grow into confident and capable scholars.
Together, we have navigated challenges, celebrated successes, and remained steadfast in our commitment to student achievement. I am profoundly grateful for the trust, support, and collaboration you have extended to me in my roles as principal and superintendent. Most of all, I will miss the relationships I have built with our students, families, and staff—relationships that have shaped me both personally and professionally.
During my tenure, we have made tremendous strides as a district—progress made possible through teamwork, shared vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Together, we have:
- Strategically invested $15 million in ESSER Funds to sustain small class sizes, expand after-school and summer programs, and address critical infrastructure needs at Turner Intermediate and Kelly Primary.
- Successfully negotiated two collective bargaining unit contracts and an Act 93 Agreement, completing the WEA contract ahead of its expiration for the first time. Moreover, we have developed a more positive and productive working relationship to best meet the needs of the students and the district.
- Seamlessly transitioned to the new Turner Intermediate building while laying the foundation for Kelly Primary’s renovation, ensuring modern, engaging learning environments for our students.
- Updated over 60 policies—many outdated for two decades—to enhance governance and accountability.
- Strengthened special education and business office operations to mitigate financial and legal risks, improving efficiency and sustainability.
More importantly, we have implemented initiatives that directly impact student learning and well-being, including:
- Navigating a global pandemic together, ensuring continuity of learning through a successful virtual program and a 1:1 Chromebook initiative.
- Launching a district-wide PreK–6 Spanish program, making language learning accessible to every child.
- Introducing the Envision Math curriculum and intervention-focused schedules (WIN) supported by evidence-based programs like ECRI and Spring-Math.
- Expanding early education opportunities with an additional PreK classroom, making ours the second-largest District PreK program in Western Pennsylvania.
- Improving student performance, with a 1.59% increase in attendance (now 89.51%) and PVAAS scores reflecting significant ELA (94%) and Math (77%) growth above state averages (75.4% & 74%)—leading the district to outperform nearly every cyber-charter school in our region.
Our commitment to the arts has been equally impactful. From earning the NAMM Best Communities for Music Education Award for years in a row to hosting a Summer Musical Theater Camp and growing an instrumental music program that engages over 70% of eligible students, we have ensured that creativity and artistic expression remain integral to our students' experiences. Initiatives like the Young Authors Program further highlight our dedication to holistic education.
The safety and well-being of our students have remained a top priority. Through investments in hiring security personnel that understand positive student and staff relationships are the best safety practice to ensure safe schools, advanced security technology, enhanced safety practices, and strengthened community relationships, we have created a school environment where students feel safe, supported, and valued.
I want to make one thing very clear: none of these accomplishments would have been possible without the knowledge, insights, and dedication of our School Board, administrative team, and each one of you. Your commitment to student success and your "We, Not Me" mindset have made all the difference. Together, we have strengthened personalized learning, hands-on experiences, project-based lessons, professional development, technology integration, data-driven interventions, and rigorous, engaging instruction—all while fostering meaningful relationships with our students.
While there is still work to be done, I am confident that Wilkinsburg is well-positioned for continued success. Leaving is bittersweet, but I will always carry the relationships, experiences, and lessons from this community with me. I look forward to staying connected and celebrating the district’s future achievements from afar.
Thank you for the privilege of serving as your leader, colleague, and teammate. It has been an honor to grow alongside you.
With deepest gratitude,
Dr. Joe L. Maluchnik
Superintendent