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Office of the Superintendent » Background and Experience

Background and Experience

Educational Background

Dr. Vuckovich's educational achievements and professional affiliations are extensive and distinguished. He graduated from Wadsworth Senior High School in Wadsworth, Ohio, in 1996 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education – Social Studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2000. He later received his Master of Education from the University of Akron in 2004, followed by a Principal Certificate from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

In 2010, Dr. Vuckovich earned his Superintendent Letter of Eligibility from The Pennsylvania State University. In 2021, he was awarded the National Superintendents Certification through the School Superintendents Association (AASA), and in September 2022, he completed a certificate in Executive Presence and Influence: Persuasive Leadership Development from the University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School. In June 2025, Dr. Vuckovich earned his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from PennWest University, further advancing his commitment to educational leadership and scholarship.

Dr. Vuckovich remains an active and engaged member of the broader educational community. He is a member of the National Center on Education and the Economy's Superintendent Alliance, which is dedicated to supporting the professional and career growth of America’s leading superintendents. He is also a fellow of the Educational Policy and Leadership Center (EPLC).

He currently serves as Co-Chair of the PASA Legislative Committee, Vice President of the Pennsylvania School Study Council at Penn State, and is a member of the AASA Board of Governors. In addition, Dr. Vuckovich serves on the Executive Committee of the St. Francis University R.E.A.L. Institute.


Work Experience
Throughout his career, Dr. Vuckovich has dedicated himself to Pennsylvania's public schools, working in both urban and suburban districts. He began as a middle school civics teacher in the Greater Johnstown School District, where he eventually served as assistant principal, high school principal, vocational director, and K-12 Director of Education. In 2016, he was appointed as the district's Acting/Interim Superintendent of Schools, and in 2018, he joined the Indiana Area School District as the Superintendent of Schools.

In addition to his extensive experience in the field, Dr. Vuckovich has been actively involved in state-level education initiatives. He has served on numerous committees with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing education within the state.

Life
Dr. Vuckovich is blessed to have a beautiful wife and four wonderful children who are proud residents of the Windber Community.  All four of his children attend the Windber School District.

Awards & Achievements

  • 2023  Chief Nick Derzis Safe School Leadership Award by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO). 
  • 2022 Leadership in Public Education Award Recipient - The Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA)
  • 2022 EPLC Leadership Program Alumni Award Recipient - Education Policy Fellowship Center (EPLC)
  • 2020-21 Superintendents to Watch Award - National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA)
  • 2019 National Blue Ribbon Award Recipient - U.S. Department of Education
  • 2018 Instructional Leadership Award Recipient - The Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA)
  • 2018 William E. Caldwell Award Recipient - The Pennsylvania School Study Council
  • 2015 NACCP Freedom Citation Award Recipient -The National Association for The Advancement of Colored People (NAACP, Johnstown Branch)
  • 2007 Holt, Rinehart & Winston - Teacher Excellence Award Recipient | Holt, Rinehart & Winston