Freedom Area School District introduced a new face to its students, Mr. William Deal, who was hired as the new FHS principal on August 14.

Of the three schools Deal has worked, Freedom is the second largest. Before applying for the position, he did research on the background of the school.

“It was very similar to what I was used to background-wise, but it’s a much larger school than what I am used to,” Deal said.

Deal obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from Messiah College, and he has a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and he minored in Teaching Certification. After graduating, Deal went on to teach Chemistry for six years.

Deal then went to Shippensburg University and got his Master’s Degree and Principal’s Certification.

“I feel very blessed to be here, I feel like I am coming in at Freedom in a very good spot, there has been a lot of change in the school the last few years,” Deal said.

Deal was hired so close to the start of the school year, he was asked to finish working with his other school. Therefore, Deal was only in school for teacher in-service and the first day, but then had to finish at Berlin Brothersvalley High School in Berlin, Pa.

“It was difficult in that way; it was just a very sudden start to the school year. I was still in the process of trying to learn what was it that Mr. Dadich had in place, what are the things that are really important to keep,” Deal said.

Overall, Deal’s favorite part about FHS is the people.

“Everyone has been super super kind and really understanding. It has been the warmest welcome I have ever received,” Deal said.

Deal explained that, while it’s disappointing to have just one year to get to know and work with the seniors, he is excited to use the time he has to get to know them better.

“The thing that I want to try and do is to be out there and be present all through the school and the community. So there are opportunities for us to have face time so we can get to know each other,” Deal said.

Getting to know the students is extremely important for Deal.
“It is very important for me to be intentful about working with the Seniors first and foremost because we do have the most limited time,” Deal said.

A lot of changes were instituted by former principal. Mr. Timothy Dadich,. who has since moved on as principal of Sharpsville Area High School in Sharpsville, Pa. Hiring a new principal during that transition caused some concern for a number of high school faculty and students, who feared the kind of changes that the new hire might implement. Deal explained how making major changes will not be one of his first-year goals.

“Certainly there are some things that need attention but there are other things, where there has been positive change in motion, and let’s keep the balls moving, and find out how to build on what is already there,” Deal said. “It is up to me to keep the positive momentum behind some of those things that are going.”