A familiar face is taking over the reins at Seneca Valley.

At Monday’s school board meeting, officials unanimously hired Andrea Peck as principal at Seneca Valley Middle School. Peck, who has been assistant principal at the school since 2007, will be paid a salary of $98,000.

She replaces Dr. Sean McCarty, who was promoted to assistant superintendent of instruction for kindergarten through sixth grade in June.

An Adams Township resident, Peck said becoming principal at the school is a dream come true for her.

“This is something I’ve worked my entire life for,” she said. “I’m ready for the challenge.”

Prior to joining Seneca Valley, Peck taught sixth-grade science and reading at Pine-Richland Middle School.

Her experience includes planning and implementing a new teacher induction program, serving as a representative on multiple curriculum committees and creating the Principals Advisory Council, a program where she meets once a month with Seneca Valley students to gain insights on their likes and dislikes at the middle school.

“It’s an amazing group,” she said.

Peck also played a role in helping the middle school receive a State and National School to Watch Designation in 2011. More recently, she was at the middle school when it was named a National Blue Ribbon School earlier in September.

The school was the only one in western Pennsylvania deemed a Blue Ribbon school—and one of only eight in the state to achieve the elite designation.

Peck said she plans to continue the middle school’s tradition of excellence. She added she already is preparing for the middle school to be re-designated as a School to Watch winner. 

“I’m excited and happy to lead the school and the dynamic group of students,” she said. “I couldn’t picture a place I’d rather be.”

A 2000 graduate of LaRoche College with a degree in elementary education, Peck received her master’s degree in teaching from Chatham College in 2003, her K-12 administrative certification from Slippery Rock University in 2005 and her superintendent’s letter of eligibility certification from California University of Pennsylvania in 2010. She currently is working on her doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh.

District spokeswoman Linda Andreassi said Peck was one of 19 people to apply for the position. Seneca Valley will now begin the hiring process for Peck’s replacement at the middle school, she said.