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State College School Board Approves New 5-Year Contract for Superintendent O’Donnell

Geoff Rushton

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A decade into his tenure as State College Area School District superintendent, Bob O’Donnell is planning to stay in the role for at least five more years.

The State College Area School Board on Monday unanimously approved a new contract for O’Donnell running through June 2026.

“We’ve worked together for 10 years now and his commitment to this community and to the kids in this district is just unparalleled,” Board President Amber Concepcion said. “This is … not a nine-to-five job. It’s a job that never stops on weekends and evenings and attending events and being present throughout the community.

“Over the past 10 years one of the things that’s just been so consistent in Dr. O’Donnell’s work is keeping kids in our community as our top focus. His heart and his caring for kids comes across in everything we do and the focus of all of our decisions, as well as his caring for staff and regularly reminding us and keeping us focused on the people who are most affected by the decisions we make. We’re really lucky to have him.”

O’Donnell was hired in 2011 to lead the district that is now comprised of about 7,000 students, 1,400 employees, 12 schools and a virtual program.

His third contract will pay him $235,000 a year plus benefits, with an annual salary increase of 2.5% and eligibility for another 1% annual merit increase. O’Donnell’s last contract, approved in 2016, set his salary at $197,500 with up to 3.5% in annual increases.

“I’m proud of the people I work with and there’s no question we have some heavy lifters throughout our school community,” O’Donnell said. “I appreciate [the board’s] support of our district and me and how we’re working together and trying to figure it out even when we don’t have the answers to some tough stuff.”

A memo from Concepcion and board Vice President Amy Bader recommending the new contract outlined a long list of O’Donnell’s achievements over the past decade.

“Over the past decade, Dr. O’Donnell has built a strong foundation with advancements in curriculum, pedagogy, student services and healthy facilities, and we look forward to continuing that important work together,” they wrote.

O’Donnell has been instrumental in SCASD establishing a K-12 curriculum renewal cycle, restructuring the elementary and secondary school days, planning and constructing the new high school building, renovating or replacing other outdated school and athletic facilities, expanding student mental health support, prioritizing equity and inclusivity, expanding the Delta Program, collaborating on development and fundraising efforts with the SCASD Education Foundation and leading COVID-19 pandemic response.

“Under Dr. O’Donnell’s leadership, our district has achieved growth and success in student learning and opportunities, as well as building and maintaining strong fiscal health and successful capital planning,” Concepcion and Bader wrote. “Dr. O’Donnell has consistently focused our work on the best interests of students, and in fostering collaboration across our community to meet the varied needs of all of our children.

“Additionally, during his tenure the district has embarked on establishing equitable and inclusive environments for all members of our community: teachers, staff and students.”