Superintendent Dr. Alan Fager

Superintendent Dr. Alan Fager humbly declares that what makes Fox Chapel Area School District unique is the amazing community support they receive. “The community we serve supports us with great effort. They share the necessary resources, volunteer their time, and they consistently ask us, ‘What can I do to help?’” As an example of the tremendous response the community has given, Dr. Fager related an event that happened last year. “We were preparing to raise taxes over a million dollars to cover school programs. At the school board meeting, 300 people came, and 299 of the people said, “Raise our taxes; we don’t want our programs cut.” For Dr. Fager and the entire district, this was a wonderful evening. He says, “It was very validating to have the community say, ‘Do what you need to do to keep Fox Chapel the premier school district it has become.’” Fox Chapel Area schools win awards on a regular basis, but to Dr. Fager, one achievement stands out above the rest. All of the six schools have received the Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence from the U.S. Department of Education. Gaining this exceptional award requires meeting extensive criteria in many areas. After each school undergoes a thorough self study, the Department of Education sends out representatives to evaluate each school. Dr. Fager adds, “It’s a compliment to the teachers and administrators, but mainly to the students and their parents. We’ve all been able to pull together to make these schools the best that they can be.” Dr. Fager has been an educator for over 36 years and has served all over Pennsylvania. He received his teaching degree from Thiel College in Greenville, PA and his master’s degree in guidance and counseling, as well as a certification in special education in Shippensburg, PA. He taught many years as a social studies teacher, and then became a special education teacher, followed by a guidance counselor. As an administrator, he has served as an assistant principal, a principal for eight years, an assistant superintendent, and has been the superintendent at Fox Chapel for eight years. Under Dr. Fager’s direction as superintendent, the district has advanced in the areas of academics, the arts, and in athletics. A major academic development is an increase in rigor, especially at the high school level. There are new foreign language classes, four new advanced placement (AP) classes for a total of 21, and improvements to the standards based curriculum have been made. In the arts, Fox Chapel has enhanced band, orchestra, and choral programs. Finally, the advancements in athletic programs include significant upgrades to various sports and intramurals, as well as having many more girls participating in sports. “Fox Chapel is about providing opportunities for the students,” explains Dr. Fager.

Expressing profound appreciation for his family, Dr. Fager elaborates on how important his wife and daughters have been in his life. His wife, Becky, is a teacher, and they’ve been married for 35 years. Their two grown daughters live in the Baltimore area and are best friends. Dr. Fager’s excitement beams across his face as he announces that he’ll soon walk his youngest daughter down the aisle in her upcoming wedding. Acknowledging the ever present help from his wife, he relates, “If it weren’t for my wife, Becky, I wouldn’t be here today. She is a tremendous support to me in every way.”

Going to school every day is a thrill for Dr. Fager, because it’s a “people business.” He praises those with whom he works with sincere admiration. “We have a wonderful Board of Directors that wants to do all it can for each student. We have terrific administrators, an outstanding teaching staff, so knowledgeable and caring, and an energized support staff. I feel blessed when I come to work to be a part of this team.” His most overwhelming sense of gratitude, however, goes to the community. He compares its role as being the sun. “A school district is like the moon. The community is the sun shining brightly on us. We are able to reflect back on the community, because of its brightness. We have a wonderful school district, because we have a tremendous community.” Meet Dr. Fager in person by watching the video @ http://www.alle-kiskitoday.com/webcasts/1403.