School News

Last Updated on Wednesday, 01 March 2017 18:54

The West Jefferson Hills School Board of Directors appointed Dr. Michael Ghilani as the new superintendent for the West Jefferson Hills School District with a unanimous vote at a special board meeting held on January 31, 2017.

Dr. Ghilani with the West Jefferson Hills School Board of Directors

Dr. Ghilani is expected to begin his duties as superintendent by April 1, 2017 with a 4-year contract running through June 30, 2021.

According to WJH School Board President Mr. Brian Fernandes, “The School Board believes that Dr. Ghilani will be a strong, innovative educational leader of our school system for years to come. As part of the superintendent search process, we engaged the community, staff and stakeholders for their views on the characteristics that they would like to see in our next superintendent, and we are pleased to report that Dr. Ghilani possesses these qualities and more.”

In regards to his new role Dr. Ghilani stated, “"I am thrilled to be a part of the West Jefferson Hills School District. I cannot wait to begin working with the students, staff, and community to continue and build upon the long-standing tradition of excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts. I believe that strong relationships, data-driven decision making, and a common vision are key to the success of any district."

Dr. Michael Ghilani was previously the Superintendent of the Montour School District. Prior to that, he was an assistant principal and principal of Upper St. Clair High School for 14 years. During that time, Dr. Ghilani was named the PAESSP Pennsylvania Secondary Principal of the Year in 2013.

Dr. Ghilani received a bachelor’s degree from Washington and Jefferson College in Psychology and Education, a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh in School Counseling, a doctorate from Duquesne University in

Dr. Ghilani with West Jefferson Hills School District administrators

Counseling and Supervision, principal certification from Carnegie Mellon University, and a Letter of Eligibility from Gannon University.

He serves on Carnegie Science Center’s STEM Advisory Board and under his leadership the Montour High School was named the #3 STEM High School in PA by Shell Oil Company.

Dr. Ghilani is also an Adjunct Professor at California University of Pennsylvania where he teaches in the Counselor Education and Administrative Studies programs. On a personal level, Dr. Ghilani has strong ties to our district. His mother, Dorothy Ghilani, taught mathematics for 31 years at TJ High School and he attended preschool in the district.

Dr. Ghilani currently lives in South Fayette with his wife Lauren, a teacher in the Upper St. Clair School District, and their three daughters, Nora, Nina and Natalie.