New Nazareth Area superintendent brings lots of experience in lots of schools
A superintendent of schools needs to meet the needs of everyone from teachers to principals to cabinet-level administrators and school board members.
Dr. Richard Kaskey has solid experience in each of those roles, which is why he was selected to lead the Nazareth Area School District.
The school board approved hiring him May 24. He’ll take over from retiring superintendent Dennis Riker on July 1.
“We are excited to have Dr. Kaskey on board with his excellent educational and extensive career background, professional years at all levels of the school system, and deep experience and training with diverse student populations,” said school board President Gregory Leh.
Kaskey is leaving his post as assistant superintendent at the Susquehanna Township School District in Berks County.
He said he’s coming to Nazareth because he sought out the challenge of leading a large school district, and the area reminds him of his blue-collar roots growing up in the coal regions of northeastern Pennsylvania.
As part of the Nazareth Area application process he toured all the schools and met the principals and select staff members.
“I had the chance to experience the pride staff members have for the Nazareth Area School District,” he said in the email.
Here’s his experience:
- 1993: Social studies teacher at Montoursville Area High School
- 1997: Dean of Students/Athletic Director at Oley Valley High School in 1997
- 1999: Assistant Principal at Upper Merion Area High School
- 2002: Principal at Phoenixville Area High School
- 2010: Middle school Assistant Principal in the Fleetwood Area School District
- 2013: Principal at Cumru Elementary School
- 2019: Assistant Superintendent of the Susquehanna Township School District
He’s also served on the school board for the Fleetwood Area School District.
Kaskey has lasted about three to seven years at each of his previous jobs, but says he doesn’t want his Nazareth Area job to be a stepping stone to leave after a few years.
“I am accepting this job with the hope of retiring from NASD if the school board is pleased with my performance and decides to extend my contract,” he said in an email.
He said most superintendents stay in one district for about a little over four years. He said research shows it takes an average of five years for a superintendent to have influence and make a mark on a school district.
Kaskey will earn an annual salary of $172,500 during the first year of his five-year contract. His raises are tied to his ability to meet goals in areas that include student achievement, organizational leadership, financial management and community relations.
He lives in the Fleetwood Area School District area in Berks County with his wife and four daughters.
In a farewell message to the Susquehanna Township district, he emphasized the district’s successes with community collaboration and inclusion, “the core belief that all students will succeed in an inclusive, equitable, and positive learning environment.”
Leh is excited for Kaskey to get to work in the Nazareth Area district.
“We look forward to the start of Dr. Kaskey’s new role and leadership,” Leh said. “We welcome him, his wife and family and wish him much success and many years at Nazareth.”
Fun facts
Here are some fun facts about Dr. Kaskey:
- He was born in Wilkes-Barre.
- His three dogs are named Anakin, Kenobi and Finn.
- He loves the Philadelphia Eagles.
- His hobbies include landscaping, construction, camping, baseball card collecting, basketball and softball.
- He loves eating pizza and hot wings.
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Rudy Miller may be reached at
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