MANCHESTER – The word “interim” was officially removed from Diane Pedroza’s title following a vote of the township Board of Education.
During the most recent Board of Education meeting, Pedroza became the first female superintendent in the school district’s history. The Board appointed her as the interim superintendent during a special meeting held last November.
The announcement was welcomed by a standing ovation for Pedroza who was surrounded by a large audience during the meeting.
Board of Education President Gayle Mount shared Pedroza’s deep roots with the Manchester School District, noting that Pedroza’s professional career experience has been solely dedicated to the students, staff, and families of the township.
“She has been educating the students and supporting the families and staff of Manchester for more than 23 years. She started her tenure in September of 2000 as an English teacher at Manchester Township Middle School before moving into the role of vice principal in 2007, and later as the acting principal in 2008, at MTMS,” Mount said.
Pedroza was then chosen as the Principal at Ridgeway Elementary School in September of 2008 before stepping into the role as the Manchester Township School District’s Director of Curriculum in the fall of 2015. Her journey as superintendent of schools officially starts on July 1.
In a response of gratitude for the decision, Pedroza expressed how seriously she takes this appointment and that she will continue to bring to the position her extensive professional experience paired with a deep dedication to the students, families, and community.
She reiterated that Manchester Pride is woven into who she is and everything that she does and acknowledges that when it comes to education “it takes a village.” She remains grateful to her colleagues and the community for all being a part of this village.
Pedroza told The Manchester Times that following the announcement she had, “a wide range of emotions. I am grateful, hopeful, optimistic, and excited. Transitioning to the superintendent role is both a significant and exciting time in my career and is both a privilege and a profound responsibility.”
“It is an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact on the educational landscape, shaping the future of our students and the community at large. I am embracing the challenge with enthusiasm, dedication, and a commitment to excellence by example,” she added.
Pedroza said the 2024-2025 school district spending plan is underway. “We are still working on the budget.”
Cheering her on that night was her husband Edwin and former Superintendent David Trethaway who retired in February 2021 from the position, after 13 years.
The Board of Education had hired John Berenato to replace Trethaway but after a little over a year in that position, the Board unanimously approved his termination and appointed Pedroza as interim superintendent at an emergency meeting on Election Night.
On March 22, students and staff of the Regional Day School surprised Pedroza with a congratulatory clap-in on the heels of the news that she will lead the district as superintendent.
