The Laurel Highlands School Board voted 7-2 at its August meeting to adopt the most recent employment evaluation of Superintendent Jesse Wallace. The evaluation, prepared by board President Marcus DiNunno, was obtained by the Herald-Standard after a Right-to-Know request filed shortly after the meeting.
Evaluation Highlights
Wallace’s strengths were noted as delegation of tasks, fiscal responsibility, and a willingness to put in the time. However, the board identified several areas needing improvement, including community relations, accountability, empathy, humility, and genuine engagement with staff and families.
In the six performance categories—student growth and achievement, organizational leadership, district operations and financial management, communication and community relations, human resource management, and professionalism—Wallace received the lowest marks in communication and community relations. Four or five board members marked him as “failing” in every indicator within that category, and the overall rating for the area was recorded as “failing.” The remaining categories saw the majority of members selecting “needs improvement.”
Board Action on Contract
At the same meeting, the board voted 6-3 to rescind the two‑year contract extension granted to Wallace in 2024, allowing his current contract to expire at the end of the 2026‑27 school year. DiNunno wrote in the evaluation, “At present, community trust in district leadership is lower than it should be, and that lack of confidence has also affected the Board of Education. Rebuilding that trust will require a shared commitment from both the board and district leadership.”
DiNunno encouraged Wallace, stating, “I believe you have the ability to strengthen your effectiveness as both superintendent and community leader, and I encourage you to make those improvements going forward.”
Superintendent’s Response
Wallace signed the evaluation on September 1, noting his signature was provided “under protest and disagreement.” He later told the board that he questioned the accuracy of the overall rating and felt his challenges to specific items were not considered. “To that end, I will strive to improve in all areas cited,” Wallace said, adding that the overall determination was signed under protest.
The newspaper’s request also uncovered details about a separate teacher termination. The district identified the employee as George Mikolowsky, a high school physics teacher hired in June 2005 with an annual salary of $94,901. No reason for his termination was provided.
Context of Recent Controversy
The superintendent’s evaluation comes amid ongoing public scrutiny following two high‑school teacher misconduct cases reported in April. Social studies teacher Martin Gatti was dismissed by the board, and Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor Daniel Cervone resigned before a vote to terminate his employment. Both individuals have arraignments scheduled for next week.
Wallace has not responded to multiple requests for comment since the board’s meeting.
Looking Ahead
The board’s evaluation underscores a clear call for greater transparency, stronger relationships with staff and the community, and a more empathetic approach to district leadership. As the school year progresses, stakeholders will be watching to see whether Wallace implements the suggested changes before his contract concludes.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
