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Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools

Board of Directors

Our board directors work together to ensure that the goals and actions of PARSS continue to fulfill our overarching goals of ensuring fair funding to schools and a quality education for every child in Pennsylvania. The board is comprised of members from each region to ensure equal representation in every region.

Board Officers

President
Matthew Splain
Region 9 (Seneca Highlands)
Otto-Eldred School District
(814) 817-1380
Biography

About Matthew Splain


Mr. Matthew Splain is the superintendent of schools for the Otto-Eldred School District, a small rural district located in McKean County, northwestern Pennsylvania. Mr. Splain received his B.S. in Mathematics from St. Bonaventure University in 1997 and, after receiving his Pennsylvania certification, began his teaching career in the Coudersport Area School District. During this time, he completed his coursework for a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Gannon University (2001) and qualified for his principal’s certification. In March 2005, Mr. Splain became high school principal for the Otto-Eldred School District. Mr. Splain completed additional coursework at St. Bonaventure University and received his superintendent’s letter in 2010. He became superintendent of schools for the Otto-Eldred School District in April 2011.

Mr. Splain currently serves as a member of the Executive Board of the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools (PARSS), the Advisory Board of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, the PIAA District IX Committee, is a board member for McKean County CASA, and is a member of the Leadership McKean Class of 2014. He also enjoys volunteering his time as a youth sports coach for numerous local organizations and serves on the Parish Finance Council for St. Raphael’s Church in Eldred.

Mr. Splain currently lives in Duke Center, PA with his wife, Melanie, and their four sons, Maxton, Manning, Macaibe, and Maddon.
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Vice President
Stephanie Keebler
Region 6 (Riverview)
Titusville Area School District
(814) 827-0526
Biography

About Stephanie Keebler

Mrs. Stephanie Keebler is the superintendent of schools for the Titusville Area School District. Mrs. Keebler earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish education from Clarion University in 1995. Mrs. Keebler began her teaching career at Venango Catholic where she taught Spanish and French. She accepted a position with Clarion Area School District in 2000 where she spent six years teaching elementary Spanish to students in grades K-6. While with the Clarion Area School District, Mrs. Keebler obtained her masters in education with a specialization in curriculum and instruction from Gannon University. She also earned her ESL program specialist certification. Nearing the end of her tenure, she completed her K-12 principal’s certification through Gannon University. In the summer of 2006, Mrs. Keebler accepted the position of high school principal for Titusville High School. In 2013, Mrs. Keebler transferred from the high school to Main Street Elementary School. While serving as the Main Street Elementary principal, Mrs. Keebler completed her letter of eligibility/superintendent’s certification through Gannon University. In 2018, Mrs. Keebler transitioned to the TASD Curriculum Director/Federal Programs. Mrs. Keebler accepted the superintendent’s position in July 2019.

Mrs. Keebler serves as a member of the Executive Board of the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools (PARSS), the United Way of the Titusville Region, the Titusville Regional Literacy Council, and the Venango Chamber Education Committee.

Mrs. Keebler currently lives in Seneca, PA with her husband, Joe, and their three children: Noah, Gabi, and Danielle.
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Treasurer
Brian Bliss
Region 13 (Lancaster-Lebanon)
Solanco School District
(717) 786-8401
Biography

About Brian Bliss

Dr. Brian Bliss is the Solanco School District's superintendent, located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Dr. Bliss earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Pennsylvania State University and his doctoral degree from the University of Delaware. Dr. Bliss has served as a high school English teacher for the Manheim Township School District, assistant principal and principal for the Pequea Valley School District, and assistant superintendent for the Solanco School District. In addition, Dr. Bliss taught for many years as an adjunct at Pennsylvania State University primarily teaching school law but also teaching courses in instructional supervision, evaluation, and staff development. Dr. Bliss currently serves as a member of the Executive Board of the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools (PARSS) and previously served a six-year time on the Board of Directors for the Lancaster United Way. Dr. Bliss has published multiple articles in journals such as Pennsylvania Educational Leadership and Pennsylvania Administrator, among others. In 2013, Dr. Bliss received the “Pennsylvania Supervision and Curriculum Development Award” presented at the 63rd PASCD Annual Conference. In 2017, the Oxford School District in Oxford, Pennsylvania recognized Dr. Bliss with a “Distinguished Alumni" award. Dr. Bliss decided to become an educator as a result of having a highly inspirational teacher in high school. He states that his driving mission has been, and continues to be, working to replicate that level of inspiration for as many students as possible. Dr. Bliss resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with his wife, Melissa, and enjoys spending time with his three children: Lauren, Andrew, and Dylan.
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Secretary
David A. Burkett
At-Large Region 8
Everett Area School District
(814) 926-4688
Biography

About David A. Burkett


Superintendent Burkett is a lifelong Bedford County native. He grew up on his family’s farm in Imler, Pennsylvania and graduated from Claysburg-Kimmel High School. Upon graduation, he attended Penn State University where he earned a degree in social studies and was recognized on the national dean’s list. In 2001, he began a career in education at Northern Bedford County School District (NBC).

After teaching for a while, he soon set his sights on earning a MA degree in curriculum and instruction (August 2003). This in turn led him to desire a principal’s certification which was conveyed from Gannon University in 2005. Later that year, NBC appointed him as assistant high school principal. He served in this role from 2005 to 2010. In May 2010, NBC appointed him as their high school principal. His leadership duties there included career and technical education as well as PIAA programming. During his principalship, he felt the call to greater leadership and made the decision to seek his superintendent letter of eligibility from Gannon University in August 2007, graduating with a 4.0 GPA.

Prior to his April 11, 2022, hire as Everett Area School District’s (EASD) superintendent, he filled the seat of superintendent at Fannett-Metal School District (FMSD) from 2015 until April 2022. At FMSD he developed the necessary core administrative qualities of instructional leader, decision maker, organizer, and supervisor. Mr. Burkett is focused on developing curriculum and instructional initiatives that will enhance overall learning and achievement for our students. His history of tirelessly working to advocate for students will serve Everett well. He believes it is imperative that teachers have the professional growth opportunities and all the tools necessary to educate children, as it is the school’s responsibility to build tomorrow’s leaders.

Mr. Burkett is known to be a positive person who faces challenges with confidence, diligence, and consistency. He is a team leader who provides support, guidance, and assistance to his colleagues and peers, while keeping accountability paramount. Since 2015, he has served on the Executive Board of the Pennsylvania Association of Rural & Small Schools (PARSS). This past April, he was appointed as PARSS secretary.

Mr. Burkett fully recognizes EASD as a community hub and appreciates that from Friday night football games to the annual chorus and band concerts, the school is where neighbors, friends, and even family members gather to meet. During his first year, he made it a primary objective to learn about our school system and local community. He is a leader who respects the chain of command but holds an open-door policy. Mr. Burkett held many one on one meetings with district staff, community members, local business leaders, and school board members to get “the pulse” of the district. He has openly shared his vision for the school district with the Everett Area Better Business Association, the Bedford County Regional Education Foundation, and the local township and borough. Mr. Burkett realizes a rural community, such as Everett, must capitalize on its position as a community hub to enhance community strengths. He is eager to strategically and educationally move the district forward for the betterment of our students and community.
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Regional Representatives

Scott Martin
Region 1 (Washington)
Bentworth School District
(724) 239-2861

Caroline Johns
Region 3 (Allegheny)
Northgate School District
(412) 732-3300

Matthew Bennett
Region 5 (Northwest Tri-County)
Union City School District
(814) 438-3804

Stephanie Keebler
Region 6 (Riverview)
Titusville Area School District
(814) 827-0526

Matthew Jones
Region 7 (Westmoreland)
Jeannette City School District
(724) 523-5497

Mark Bower
Region 8 (Appalachia)
Rockwood Area School District
(814) 926-4688

Brian Griffith
Region 10 (Central)
Penns Valley School District
(814) 422-2000

Michael V. Zinobile
Region 11 (Tuscarora)
Juniata Valley School District
(814) 669-9150

Wesley Doll
At-Large Region 12 (Lincoln)
Upper Adams School District
(717) 677-7191

Brian Bliss
Region 13 (Lancaster-Lebanon)
Solanco School District
(717) 786-8401

Andrew Potteiger
Region 14 (Berks)
Brandywine Heights Area School District
(610) 682-5100

Nicholas Guarente
Region 15 (Capital)
Greenwood School District
(717) 589-3117

Kenneth Dady
Region 16 (Union)
Mifflinburg Area School District
(570) 966-8200

Alanna Huck
Region 17 (BLAST)
Northern Tioga School District
(814) 258-5642

Nathan Barrett
Region 18 (Luzerne)
Hanover Area School District
(570) 408-1163

Elizabeth Robison (Monroe)
Region 20 (Colonial)
Pocono Mountain School District
(570) 839-7121

David C. McAndrew
Regions 21 (Carbon Lehigh)
Panther Valley School District

Robert Postupac
Region 27 (Beaver Valley)
Western Beaver School District
(724) 643-9310

Ralph Cecere (Indiana)
Region 28 (ARIN)
Homer-Center School District
(724) 479-8080

Shawn Fitzpatrick
Region 29 (Schuylkill)
Schuylkill Haven School District
(570) 385-6705

Members At-Large

Matthew Button
At-Large Region 19
(Northeastern) and 20, 21
Blue Ridge School District
(570) 465-3141

Francine Endler
At-Large Intermediate Unit Representative
Central Intermediate Unit 10
(814) 342-0884

Lura Hanks
At-Large Region 12 (Franklin)
Greencastle-Antrim School District
(717) 597-3226

David Lehman
At-Large Region 8 (Cambria)
Forest Hills School District

Raymond C. Omer
At-Large Region 4 (Mercer)
West Middlesex Area School District
(724) 634-3014

Vance S. Varner
At-Large Region 11 (Tuscarora)
Mifflin County School District
(814) 248-0148

Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools
Quality Education for all of Pennsylvania’s Children