The State College Area School Board on Monday approved the appointment of Danielle Yoder, a principal in the district for the past three years, as acting assistant superintendent for elementary education.
Formerly principal of Easterly Parkway Elementary and the Virtual Academy K-5, Yoder replaces Vern Bock, who left the district for a position as assistant superintendent position with the Frederick County Public Schools in Virginia.
“I am honored and excited to become a member of the district leadership team in the State College Area School District,” Yoder said in a statement. “Over the past three years, the district has provided me with an abundance of opportunities to collaborate, learn and grow as we move forward in our journey of meeting the needs of all students and families in the district.
“I plan to continue to build relationships with all stakeholders as I believe they are the key to ensuring our students’ success. Finally, I look forward to being able to support and help guide the teachers, staff, and administrative team so that we continue to unite and work together to meet the needs of our teachers, students, and community.”
As assistant superintendent, Yoder will be responsible for Corl Street, Easterly Parkway, Ferguson Township, Gray’s Woods, Mount Nittany, Park Forest, Radio Park and Spring Creek elementary schools.
Before joining Easterly Parkway in 2018, Yoder spent 12 years with the Penns Valley Area School District, leading Centre Hall-Potter and Miles Township elementary schools before becoming principal of Penns Valley Elementary and Intermediate School. She also served as the district’s Title 1 reading and assessment coordinator.
She also has been a language arts and math teacher in the Midd-West School District and a dropout prevention coordinator with the Adult Education and Job Training Center in Lewistown during her 29-year career
Yoder holds a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Lebanon Valley College, a master of science degree in educational development and strategies from Wilkes University and a master of science degree in reading and educational leadership from Edinboro University, where she also K-12 principal certification.
“Danielle brings to her new role a stellar record of being a gifted educator and outstanding school leader, and I’m happy to welcome her to my cabinet,” Superintendent Bob O’Donnell said. “Her knowledge and experience make her well suited to direct the growth of our K-5 education and to give our elementary students, staff and parents the support they need.”
Yoder’s one-year contract carries a salary of $152,000.
