Mrs. Amanda Cipola, Assistant to the Superintendent 717-933-4611, x2115
Amanda is in her fourth year with Tulpehocken. She was previously Penn-Bernville's Principal, Special Education teacher, Response to Instruction and Intervention Coordinator and Dean of Students. She has a BS Degree in Elementary and Special Education, Reading Specialist certification and a MS Degree in Education from Kutztown University. Amanda obtained her principal certification from Alvernia University. She enjoys riding her ATV, camping, exercising and spending time with her husband and two dogs.
Mr. Thomas Kowalonek, Business Manager717-933-4611, x2103
Tom has been leading the operations of the district since 2009 and has been a member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials for over 15 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Lehigh University and attended the Central Atlantic Advanced School of Banking at Bucknell University. Tom also has spent many years in the banking and financial services industry. He enjoys golf, hunting and travel.
Mrs. Lisa Kiss, Director of Special Education717-933-4611, x2108
Mrs. Lisa Kiss is Tulpehocken’s Director of Special Education. She taught Special Education and Gifted Education for over 21 years before joining the administrative team in 2010. She attended Penn State University to earn her Master’s in Teaching and Curriculum and her Supervisory Certificate in Special Education. She is married and has two children. She enjoys playing the piano, exercising, and vacationing with her family.
Mr. Rick Triest, Director of Buildings and Grounds 717-933-4611, x2122
Mr. Rick Triest is in his 31st year with the Tulpehocken Area School District. He is serving as Director of Buildings and Grounds. Previously he served as Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds/Transportation, head custodian, custodian and substitute custodian. Rick loves camping and spending time with his grandchildren.
Mr. Denis Quirk, Interim Junior-Senior High School Principal610-488-6286, X1115
Mr. Denis Quirk is in his 9th year in education, and in his second year here at Tulpehocken. He spent 8 years teaching Physics and Earth Science at Conestoga Valley High School, as well as coaching football, wrestling, and track and field. Mr. Quirk completed his undergraduate studies at Millersville University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. He obtained his Master of Education degree from Cabrini College. In his free time, Mr. Quirk enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his wife and daughter.
Mr. Michael Leister, Assistant Principal610-488-6286, x1106
Mr. Michael Leister is in his 23rd year in education, with his last 12 years here at Tulpehocken. He has served 7 years as the Jr./Sr. High Assistant Principal and 5 years as the Jr. High House Principal. He previously worked in the Bellefonte and Reading School Districts. He has a B.S. from Penn State University and an M.S. from Seton Hall University. He is a huge Penn State fan and enjoys hunting and fishing.
Mrs. Stacy Linderman, Penn-Bernville Elementary Principal610-488-6248
Mr. Mark Brown, Bethel Elementary Principal717-933-4131
Mark Brown is in his 16th year of education. He graduated from Kutztown University in 2000 and began his teaching career as a 4th grade teacher in Stafford County, Virginia. In 2005 he moved back to Pennsylvania where he continued his career in the Northern Lebanon School District. During his 9 years at Northern Lebanon he served as a teacher of grades 3, 5, and 6. In 2010 he earned a Masters Degree in Teaching and Curriculum from Penn State, along with a principal certification. Outside of school he enjoys many hobbies. Some of these include playing the guitar, water skiing, snow skiing and, most importantly, spending time with his wife and 3 children.