Knoch promotes Grantz to assistant superintendent
SAXONBURG — Two Knoch School District staff members will move up through the ranks beginning next year.
At its monthly work session Wednesday night, June 7, the nine-member Knoch School Board unanimously approved the hiring of Melissa Grantz to fill the position of assistant superintendent for the school district.
Grantz has been with the Knoch School District for the past 15 years, serving as assistant principal at Knoch High School since 2018. She has also served as principal of the Knoch Cyber Academy. Last August, she earned her Superintendent Letter of Eligibility from California University and is expected to finish her doctoral degree at PennWest University next year.
“Mrs. Grantz is a terrific district leader, mentor and friend to staff members throughout the district,” said David Foley, superintendent of the Knoch School District. “At Knoch High School and through the Knoch Cyber Academy, Mrs. Grantz has worked to create a positive learning and working environment for students and staff.”
The Knoch School District has not had an assistant superintendent since the retirement of Richard Cavett, in 2019. Shortly afterward, the district — then known as South Butler — went through an administrative reorganization and Cavett’s duties were redistributed among other staff members.
Grantz’s term will begin Saturday, July 1, and run through June 30, 2026.
At that same meeting, the school board also unanimously approved the hiring of Kurt Reiser to fill the position of dean of students at Knoch High School, moving him from his current position of director of athletics. Reiser will continue to serve as athletic director at Knoch until a replacement is found.
Reiser is expected to complete his principal certification during the next school year, after which his title will transition from dean of students to assistant principal, effectively taking Grantz’s old job.
“Mr. Reiser is eager to begin his new responsibilities and collaborate closely with students, faculty and parents,” Foley said. “He is confident that his background in athletics, combined with his passion for student development, will contribute to the ongoing success of Knoch High School.”
