Fort Couch’s Erin Stehle to lead Eisenhower Elementary

She will succeed longtime principal Mark Miller, who is retiring in August after 29 years of dedicated service to the district.

The transition timeline will allow Dr. Stehle to collaborate closely with Mr. Miller throughout the summer to help ensure a smooth leadership transition for students, staff and families.

“While the Eisenhower community will certainly miss Mr. Miller and his outstanding leadership, I am confident the school will continue to thrive under Dr. Stehle’s leadership,” Dr. John T. Rozzo, superintendent of schools, said. “She is a thoughtful, student-centered instructional leader who is deeply committed to supporting students, staff and families.”

Dr. Stehle joined the Fort Couch staff in 2006 and has served the school community in a variety of leadership roles, including English/language arts teacher, reading specialist, middle school ELA curriculum leader and Professional Learning Community facilitator. She became assistant principal at Fort Couch in 2013 and was named principal in 2022.

“A significant component of the elementary principal role is serving as a strong instructional leader, particularly given the critical emphasis on English Language Arts at the elementary level,” Dr. Rozzo said. “This requires an administrator with deep expertise in literacy instruction, curriculum, and student learning. In that regard, I cannot think of anyone better suited for this position than Dr. Stehle.”
 
In 2021, Dr. Stehle received the Leonard R. Ference Outstanding Administrator Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Middle Level Educators. The award recognizes administrators who champion educational practices that support powerful learning experiences for young adolescents.

A graduate of Grove City College, Dr. Stehle holds a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education. She also holds a master’s degree in education for reading and language arts, along with a doctorate in educational leadership, both from Duquesne University. 

The district’s leadership team is currently working to finalize the leadership succession plan at Fort Couch Middle School. It is anticipated that the new middle school principal will be appointed by mid-June.