SCASD Appoints New Student Services Director

The State College Area School Board on Monday approved the district’s next director of student services.

Stephanie Beaver will succeed Jeanne Knouse, who is retiring in June after 17 years with the district.

Beaver to State College from the Lewisburg Area School District in nearby Union County, where she has been the director of special education and student support services since 2022. She was previously director of pupil services and athletics at Lewisburg Area.

“I am excited to join the State College Area School District, and a community that values education and is committed to the success of their students,” Beaver said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the leadership team to continue to support student growth and provide opportunities for students that lead to lifelong success.”

Beaver will oversee a department that provides services to all K-12 students through programs including school counseling and school-based mental health services, health services, family and community engagement, and registration, attendance and student records.

In addition to her tenure at Lewisburg, Beaver’s 20-year career includes time as an assistant principal of student services, virtual learning academy coordinator and school counselor at both the middle and high school levels in Greenville, South Carolina. She has also worked as a child life specialist in hospitals.

A graduate of Mifflinburg High School in Union County, she earned a bachelor’s degree in child development from the University of Pittsburgh, a master’s in school counseling from Clemson University and an education specialist degree in school leadership from Furman University. She is currently completing her doctorate in educational leadership at Immaculata University.

Beaver, who is expected to start at SCASD in late May, Beaver holds Pennsylvania principal and elementary educational specialist certifications, and belongs to the Pennsylvania Association of Pupil Services Administrators. 

“I’m pleased to welcome Stephanie to the State College Area School District community and our administrative team,” SCASD Superintendent Curtis Johnson said in a statement. “She brings a demonstrated commitment toward helping students grow and succeed, and our schools will surely benefit from her expertise. We look forward to working with her as we strive to meet the diverse needs of our students.”

Beaver was appointed with a salary of $144,511, according to human resources recommendations included in the school board’s meeting agenda. The student services director reports to the assistant superintendent for secondary education.