JEFFERSON TWP -- The Knoch School District is bulking up for the upcoming school year by hiring a new teacher for Knoch Primary School. The hiring of kindergarten instructor Jessica Zhikharev was made official at Wednesday’s school board meeting.

“We're really, really excited about her coming and happy that she’s coming,” said district superintendent David Foley. “Jessica is going to be a great addition to the kindergarten and great addition to the primary.”

Prior to her hiring at Knoch, Zhikarev spent time teaching at St. Therese Catholic School in Munhall in Allegheny County.

Also, during Wednesday night’s meeting, the district announced that Kurt Reiser, recently made Dean of Students at Knoch High School, will have his title changed to assistant principal. Reiser was promoted from the position of athletic director at KHS back in June.

According to Foley, the change in title was made to streamline the process for Reiser to obtain his principal certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

“They can either go through a graduate program...which he already has, or they can go the route of the Pennsylvania Inspired Leadership Program, where he can do it a little more efficiently,” Foley said.