Dec. 5, 2012 - Mars Area School Board accepted the retirement of Dr. William G. Pettigrew, superintendent, effective on or before Dec. 1, 2013.

“It has been my privilege to serve alongside Board members who put the students and their education first,” said Pettigrew. “Similarly, Mars Area’s administrators, teachers and support staff members who work with our students on a daily basis are truly exceptional not only in their professionalism, but in their commitment to education and to our students.”

“I am fortunate to conclude my educational career in a place as exceptional as Mars Area School District. It has been a privilege serving as your Superintendent and I look forward to working with the Board in the year ahead,” he said.

Pettigrew has served as superintendent of Mars Area School District since 1987. Prior to coming to Mars Area School District, he served as superintendent and assistant superintendent of Penncrest School District; an elementary principal at Shippensburg Area School District and Tussey Mountain School District; and as an elementary teacher at Hempfield Area School District.

He holds a doctorate in education, master’s degree, and administrative certification from Pennsylvania State University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania as well as Instructional II, Administrative II, Assistant Superintendent and Intermediate Unit Executive Director certifications and a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility.

Pettigrew is an active member of the Pennsylvania Association for Rural & Small Schools Board of Directors, Pennsylvania Association for School Administrators Board of Directors, Pennsylvania Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development, North American Association of Educational Negotiators, Pennsylvania Deputy Sheriffs’ Training Commission Board of Directors, Breakneck Creek Water Authority Board of Directors and Phi Delta Kappa. He has also served as a coach of Mars Area High School’s Girls Varsity Golf and Boys Varsity Tennis teams.

“So many have had the privilege to work with you as you steadily guided us through many changes in public education and in our growing community,” said Dayle Ferguson, Board president, speaking to Dr. Pettigrew at the Board’s Dec. 4 meeting.

“Your significant contributions have helped to shape Mars Area School District in to what it is today. You’ve given your very best to the students, staff, and Mars Area community for 25 years, and it shows,” she continued. “We share in your pride in all that you’ve accomplished and honor your commitment and leadership.”

Mars Area School Board is expected to begin the search for new District superintendent in January. For more information, call (724) 625-1518.