AASD names Hatch chief
Former principal, current assistant superintendent will take over in July
Trending
Assistant superintendent Brad Hatch was appointed as the new superintendent of the Altoona Area School District on Monday night.
His contract runs from July 15, 2023, until July 14, 2027.
Current Superintendent Charles Prijatelj announced his retirement in March.
"We all want the same things despite our political views -- giving outstanding opportunities for our students when they exit our doors to have the life they want to have," Hatch said. "I'm committed to work together to make that a better reality."
He recognized that the school district has issues and concerns it needs to continue to work on.
"I'm very confident that together, everyone's motivations are in place, and I know we can have Altoona thrive and provide the opportunities for students that everyone wants," Hatch said.
"What Brad Hatch brings to us, certain things that I couldn't ever bring," Prijatelj said. "He has knowledge about everything that is happening in the district."
Prijatelj also noted Hatch's ability to work well with students, parents and staff as being a great asset to the district.
"I always put the kids in this district first. My No. 1 driving priority is what is in the best interest of the students," Hatch said.
Prijatelj said by having Hatch as superintendent, the board made a firm decision to continue to move the district forward and make the children's and community's well-being the priority.
Hatch earned a bachelor's degree in biology and secondary education from Juniata College in 1995 and a Master of Education from Saint Francis University in 2002, as well as a principal certification and superintendent letter of eligibility.
Hatch was a 2020 graduate of the Blair County Chamber's Leadership Blair County Program.
He began as an employee at AASD as a science and biology teacher at Roosevelt Junior High School in 1997.
Hatch then became the principal of Roosevelt in 2004.
With the consolidation of Roosevelt and Keith Junior High schools, he served as the eighth grade principal at Altoona Area Junior High School.
Hatch was selected as assistant to the superintendent in the fall of 2016, where he had responsibility for education, special education, athletics, homeless and foster care, alternative education and cyber education.
Hatch and his wife, Melissa, have three children, Kyla, 19, Alayna, 17, and Braden, 13. He has volunteered at many local youth sports leagues and was recently a coach of the 2022 Mid-Atlantic Little League World Series team.
He has an identical twin, Jason, and his family were the longtime owners of Tim's American Cafe in Altoona.
In other business, the school district approved the proposed final budget for 2023-24 in the amount of $126,757,033.
This number is based on if the district were to raise property taxes to the 5.9% limit under Act 1, which would raise the average property tax bill by $40.41, if enacted.
If the school district were to raise taxes to the index, the current tax rate would go from 6.4349 to 6.8145 mills, and the projected increased revenue would be $1,163,050.
The proposed budget will be on display for the public to view in the school district's business office for 30 days.
The board will make its final decision on the budget at its regular meeting on June 19.
Mirror Staff Writer Cati Keith is at 814-946-7535.