The Avon Grove School Board approved the appointments of Dr. Nicole Harvey and Scott DeShong to the positions of assistant superintendent of Avon Grove School District during a meeting on Feb. 24.

Harvey and DeShong each began a three-year term on March 1.

A fourth-generation Avon Grove graduate, Harvey began her career teaching third grade in the district in 2001. She continued to work in the public education system as a supervisor, principal and director before returning to Avon Grove in 2018 as a director of teaching and learning. Harvey earned her doctorate in educational leadership and management from Drexel University in 2017.

“Education is my purpose and passion in life,” said Harvey. “I believe that literacy is the foundation of all learning, and I am truly honored to serve the AGSD community.”

As assistant superintendent, much of Harvey’s work will be focused on the district’s elementary campus, which includes Penn London Elementary School and Avon Grove Intermediate School. In addition, Harvey will continue to oversee academic programs and initiatives that will have a positive impact throughout the district. Her knowledge of curriculum will be a tremendous asset in her new role.

With over 28 years of experience in K-12 education, DeShong began his career as a school counselor. He worked at the elementary and secondary levels and received a master’s degree in psychology in education.

While serving as a middle school assistant principal, DeShong worked as an adjunct instructor at The Pennsylvania State University. DeShong became a school principal in 2008 and in 2015, he joined Avon Grove as principal of Avon Grove High School. Most recently, DeShong has been working to facilitate the transition to the new high school that will open in the fall.

“Our purpose, as an entire school community, is to create the best conditions for learning,” stated DeShong. “As a resident of AGSD and a member of the community, it is an honor and a privilege to play a part in creating those conditions.”

In his new role as assistant superintendent, much of DeShong’s work will be concentrated on the secondary campuses, which include Fred S. Engle Middle School (FSEMS) and AGHS. DeShong will continue to play an integral role in facilitating transitions in conjunction with making significant contributions to the district.

In addition to the appointments of two assistant superintendents, the Avon Grove School Board approved the change of status for Dr. Christie Snead from supervisor of teaching and learning to high school principal, effective March 1, and for Dr. Michael Berardi from middle school principal to supervisor of teaching and learning, effective on July 1.

Of her 22 years in public education, Snead has spent 19 years working in Avon Grove. She initially worked as a high school math teacher and later as an instructional coach before becoming the assistant principal at FSEMS. In 2019, Snead transitioned to supervisor of teaching and learning and in 2022, she became an associate principal at AGHS. Snead earned her doctorate in educational leadership and administration from Immaculata University in 2019. Snead’s loyalty to AGSD, knowledge of the district and ability to lead will serve her well in her new role as principal of AGHS.

Berardi began his career teaching high school chemistry and general science in 2001, and in 2009, he started working in the district as assistant principal and activities director for AGHS. Berardi transitioned to principal at FSEMS in 2014, where he has made significant contributions to the school as well as the district. Berardi earned his doctorate in educational leadership and administration from Immaculata University in 2019. In his new role, Berardi will bring his extensive background in the sciences to the teaching and learning division and continue to make a positive impact on the district.