As Needed Only: Former Seneca Valley Superintendent Returns to District as Consultant

will return to the district as a consultant on an as-needed basis but for an amended period of time and pay rate.

On Monday, school officials approved hiring Tylinski as a consultant to help  make the transition into her role. Under the terms of the agreement, Tylinski will work on an as-needed basis, determined by the superintendent, from Oct. 10 through Dec. 22.

The contract will not exceed 20 days, and he would be paid a rate of $100 per hour.

Previously, for the same period of time—Oct. 10 through Dec. 22—but not to exceed 40 days. Under those terms, he would have been paid a daily rate of $800 per day.

School board member Eric Gordon said officials changed the contract after feedback from the community reflected concern that Tylinski would use all 40 days allotted in the agreement and spend $32,000. 

School board members made it clear at Monday’s meeting that under the original agreement, as well as in the amended agreement, Tylinski’s services would be used only in an emergency. 

“This is being done as a contingency plan,” said member Joe Scalamogna. “We’re not saying Dr. Tylinski is going to get a dime out of it.”

School board President Robert Hill said that in the past, superintendents groomed a successor before leaving the district. In Tylinski's case, a new superintendent was not hired until after he left Seneca Valley. Although Tylinski's last official day was Sept. 28, he used up vacation time and effectively left the district in late August. The board named Vitale superintendent on Sept 20, and her first official day was Sept. 29.

“He did not know who the successor would be to lead Seneca Valley,” Hill said.

Prior to being named superintendent, Vitale was the assistant superintendent of human resources and pupil services at Seneca Valley. She also was an assistant principal and principal at after joining the district in 2002.

A former principal at Connoquenessing Valley Elementary and Seneca Valley Middle School, Tylinski spent eight years as superintendent of Seneca Valley. Board member Eric DiTullio said Tylinski's experience is a tool to be called on if needed.

“I don’t believe it will be used,” he said.

Gordon also encouraged residents to continue to share their concerns the district.

“It has been brought to the discussion we’ve had,” he said of Monday’s decision. “We are listening. We will move towards that.”