Growing up in Center County, Dr. Rieffannacht’s career started as a math teacher in the area. Knowing she wanted to be in higher education, she traveled to western Pennsylvania to further her experience. She planted her roots in the Hempfield School District as the Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools in 2020. As she lives in the district and has two children who are Wildcats and one who is a few years away, she knew she couldn’t pass up the opportunity when she heard of the superintendent position opening.
As a mother and a member of the community, her goal for the district is to unite the community, as it always has. She wants the future generations to have a voice and succeed. She wants to help take care of the community that was built before her and have it reach its full potential.
“My children go to this district, and that’s something special to me,” said Rieffannacht.
She believes in the public education system and that the work done is not only for each student, but for the community as a whole. Although it may be hard work, it is work that motivates her to take this role and immerse herself in the Greater Latrobe Community.
Unlike others before her, her goal isn’t to change schedules or routines immediately. She wants to be a listener and learn what we as a community need. As she has been a public educator for about twenty years, she has implemented various changes for schools, such as schedule adjustments and a mini-thon at Hempfield. Now, as a Latrobean, she wants to reach the level of knowledge in our district before making any changes. Her number one goal is to listen.
Along the way, she assumes that issues will arise, but she will assess the situation and make the best decision for the community. She wants to listen to faculty, staff, the school board, and the people within the school system to understand “what makes the Greater Latrobe tick and what is going well.”
“The tradition and the pillars that hold our school district up are our community. That’s our wildcat tradition, the orange and black,” she said.
The school, as a legacy, carries the school spirit, even through alumni. Carrying the traditional orange and black is a way for the community to show we are all in this together. She views our orange and black not just for our athletics, but for academics, our arts, and our school as a whole.
With the strain on the school environment during COVID, she wants to “bring our orange and black back.” On a Facebook thread for elementary moms, Dr. R. saw that moms are “bringing their pink back” as when flamingos become mothers, they lose their pink color until their stress levels lessen and happiness comes back. Bringing our pink, or for the Wildcats, orange and black, back means to reinstate community and happiness for all around, and school spirit.
Even though she is a serious and dedicated administrator, she said she will always be an educator.
“I know sometimes when you are in these roles, it’s hard to see that, but first of all, I was a teacher, I taught math, and I loved it,” expressed Rieffannacht.
She worked with all different grade levels, and her number one priority is always the students. She
wants to get to know the students and stop in the hallway for conversations. Ask questions, smile, wave, and acknowledge her as a Wildcat to incorporate her into the GL world.
When becoming Latrobe’s new superintendent, Dr. Rieffannacht knew of our community and school spirit. She is excited to become involved in the school and lift our community to the best of her capabilities. Greater Latrobe is her “forever home”, and she is excited to have a career in the district.
“Go, Wildcats.”- Dr. Rieffannacht
