Four weeks after an out-of-district principal turned down a Penn-Trafford administration position, the P-T School Board looked within to fill the position.

At Monday night's meeting, the school board promoted Matthew Harris to the new position of director of support services. Harris will replace director of services Ralph Cigich, who is retiring. His salary hasn't been determined yet.

Though Harris, the assistant principal at Level Green and Harrison Park elementary schools, only has been with the district for almost one year, administrators are impressed with his experience and background.

"He earned his doctorate and is the only building principal (in the district) to do so," said Harry Smith, assistant to the superintendent. "He's a reading specialist, he has his superintendent's letter and is very well qualified and technologically adept."

Harris said he's excited for the new opportunity, but he will miss working with students, parents and teachers on a daily basis.

"It's an honor and a blessing. I work hard at everything that I do," Harris said. "I'm happy for something new, but at the same time, I love the schools and the children."

Harris won't be in charge of transportation, buildings and grounds like Cigich is because of reorganization within the administration. Jobs and responsibilities have been shifted among administrators.

Harris will be in charge of technology, food services and curriculum. He also will oversee the district's use of PowerSchool, a student information system that automates functions like attendance, scheduling and grades, and lets the district communicate grades to parents on a weekly basis.

Harris is familiar with PowerSchool because he worked with it when he was with the Diocese of Greens-burg for seven years.

Last month, the board hired Eric Kostic for the position. After Kostic declined the job, Smith said, administrators searched for a replacement within the district.

A replacement for Harris at Level Green and Harrison Park hasn't been hired. Smith said he expects the issue to have some progress at next month's board meeting.

Administrators are eager to have Harris on board, Smith said.

"I think it'll certainly strengthen us, the abilities he brings to the table," Smith said. "He's certainly proven himself in the very little time he's been here."