Mt. Lebanon School District is preparing for several notable transitions and recognitions in the coming months, ranging from leadership appointments to national honors for educators and a special tribute tied to the Blue Devils football program.
Dr. Natasha Dirda named assistant superintendent
Beginning in July, Dr. Natasha Dirda will join Mt. Lebanon School District as the new assistant superintendent of secondary education.
Dirda comes to Mt. Lebanon from South Fayette Township School District, but her connection to the district dates back years. Early in her career, she served as a unit principal at Mt. Lebanon High School and also worked as principal at Markham Elementary School.
District officials say her familiarity with the community and prior experience within Mt. Lebanon schools will provide continuity and leadership as she steps into the role overseeing secondary education.
Dirda has built a reputation for instructional leadership and student-centered educational practices throughout her career and is expected to begin transitioning into the position this summer.
New marching band director named
Mt. Lebanon also will have a new marching band director this year.
Brett McCutcheon, currently a band teacher at Mt. Lebanon High School, will now oversee and manage the school’s marching band program.
The marching band remains a visible and celebrated part of the school community, performing at football games, parades and community events throughout the year. McCutcheon’s appointment continues the district’s emphasis on music education and student involvement in the arts.
Foster Elementary teacher selected for national STEM institute
Foster Elementary teacher Margaret Satersmoen has been selected to participate in the 2026 Liftoff Summer Institute, a nationally competitive STEM education program sponsored by the University of Texas Center for Space Research and Pennsylvania’s Space Grant Consortium.
The program selects educators from across the country to deepen their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through space education initiatives.
Participants engage in immersive activities designed to build critical-thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills while exploring real-world applications connected to space exploration and scientific discovery.
This year’s theme, “Moon to Mars: A New Era of Discovery,” focuses on NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the moon for the first time in more than 50 years while laying the groundwork for future missions to Mars.
The institute will take place June 22-26 and will include experiments, presentations from NASA subject-matter experts and astronauts, and opportunities for educators to network and share innovative lesson plans and classroom strategies.
District officials praised Satersmoen’s selection as both a professional achievement and a benefit for students who will ultimately gain exposure to advanced STEM concepts and hands-on learning experiences.
For more information about the program, visit the University of Texas Center for Space Research website.
Mt. Lebanon to honor legendary football coach
Mt. Lebanon’s football game against North Allegheny on Oct. 23 will carry added significance this fall as the district formally dedicates the naming of the football field in honor of former coach Art Walker.
The dedication will create a meaningful connection between past and present, as Walker’s son, Art Walker Jr., currently serves as head coach at North Allegheny.
Walker remains one of the most respected figures in Mt. Lebanon football history, and the ceremony is expected to draw strong community support as the district recognizes his impact on generations of student-athletes and the broader football program.
