State College elementary schools hire new principals

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) — The State College Area School District has approved two new principals at its elementary schools.

On Monday, May 6, the school’s board of directors approved Kara Treweek to be the new Ferguson Township Elementary School principal. She will take over for Shelly Buckholtz, who is retiring in June.

Beth Solensky was also approved on Monday to be the new Mount Nittany Elementary School principal. She is taking over for Mark Feldman, who is retiring in June.

Treweek has been with the school district since 2018 and has served as the dean of students at Mount Nittany Elementary for the past year. The Lock Haven alum has taught for 19 years including kindergarten at Gray’s Woods Elementary, from 2005 to 2018 and first grade at Plesant Gap Elementary School with the Bellefonte school district.

“I could not be more excited to begin the journey of being the principal of Ferguson Township
Elementary,” Treweek said. “As a lifetime resident of Centre County and an alumni of State
College Area School District, I am proud to have the opportunity to lead a school within my
hometown. I am looking forward to forming strong relationships with students, families,
community members, and faculty and staff centered on belonging. I look forward to leaning into
the collaborative spirit and instructional strengths that exist within the amazing Ferguson
community to continue the drive for all students to succeed.”

Kara Treweek

Soloensky joins the district from Ridge Wood Elementary School in Northville, Michigan, where she served as principal since 2018. The Penn State alum also taught fifth grade in Northville and spent 20 years in elementary education.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Mount Nittany Elementary team,” Solensky said. “I am deeply
passionate about fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment where every student
will thrive. I look forward to serving alongside my SCASD colleagues and learning from them.”

Beth Solensky

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Treweek will begin transitioning to her new role for the remainder of the school year while Solensky’s first day will be July 1.

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