Accepting the position as superintendent of Riverview School District in 1999 was like coming home for Dr. Charles Erdeljac. When Dr. Erdeljac returned to Riverview, he was thrilled to have the opportunity to give back through professional work to his home community of nearly 50 years. He says with a smile, "The people of Oakmont and Verona are family to me. It was a pleasure to come back and be one of the team players with all of the good people of this community."

The central office in which he now works is housed in the same building where he graduated from Oakmont High School in 1969. He then attended Bucknell University in Lewisburg and obtained a Master of Arts in English from Carnegie Melon University. While teaching English at Riverview High School, he completed his PhD in Education Administration at the University of Pittsburgh. After teaching English and coaching football and track for eight years, he served as principal of North Allegheny High School for six years. He then moved to Hampton High School, serving as principal for 12 years.

What makes Riverview such a unique district? Dr. Erdeljac believes that a big part of the magic is the small size. He relates, "We are among the two percent smallest school districts in Pennsylvania. We really get to know one another and we care deeply about one another. When a child graduates from here, he has truly been raised by the whole village." Along with the deep caring at Riverview, the administration and teachers also hold high expectations. "We are out to achieve new goals and new heights," Dr. Erdeljac explains.

Dr. Erdeljac - better known as Chuck - loves his job because he interacts with people constantly. "It's a very dynamic position. I become energized by working with people. We have so many creative, talented, and dedicated professionals here, and they're a lot of fun to work with." He adds, "I go home and say to my wife, 'Today was like a blink!'" He obviously loves what he's doing.

In addition to the gratitude he feels for those in the district, Dr. Erdeljac also expresses sincere appreciation for the support of his family. His wife, Susan, is a teacher as well. Since she works with preschool and elementary age children, Susan gives insights to her husband relating to the needs of the younger members of the district. Chuck is also proud of his four children, three of whom have chosen to be teachers. "It's very gratifying to see them blossom after graduating from here at Riverview High School."

The quality that people appreciate the most about Dr. Erdeljac is his ability to touch people on a deep level. His sincerity and warmth come across loud and clear through his uplifting encouragements to all those around him. He praises the principals, teachers, and staff for their excellence and dedication, naming many of them specifically to acknowledge their hard work. He strives to express his appreciation to each member of the Riverview district.

Another way that he builds strong relationships with his staff is by showing his concern for them. On one Friday afternoon, for example, Dr. Erdeljac returned a call from one of his new principals. Before hanging up the phone, he told the principal not to spend too much time at school that weekend, but rather with his family. His friendly tone conveyed the kind of caring a father would have for his son.

Dr. Erdeljac expresses one of his most important goals, “I hope that this would be my greatest work…that my teachers, custodians, bus drivers, support staff, paraprofessionals, and everyone here feel that what they have contributed is deeply valued - that they are cherished in their talents and skills.” Though he attributes the closeness of the people at Riverview to their small size, it seems clear that this magic has not come on its own. Dr. Erdeljac is setting the example of caring and is actually promoting the friendliness with each person he meets.