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SV assistant superintendent named education award winner

Seneca Valley School District ›  |  Posted on

Dr. Marie Palano

It’s often said that great leaders not only guide others, but also inspire and empower those around them through the qualities they embody. Dr. Marie Palano, Seneca Valley assistant superintendent of curriculum and assessment, exemplifies this kind of leadership — and is now being honored for it as the recipient of the 2025 Emerging Woman in Education Award, presented in memory of University of Pittsburgh Professor Emeritus Dr. Jean Winsand by the Tri-State Study Council.

The Jean E. Winsand Emerging Woman in Education Award honors a woman who is at an early stage on the path of her leadership career. The award is intended to recognize a woman who has made a significant impact and positive difference through her leadership activities and initiatives.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Dr. Jean E. Winsand Emerging Woman in Education Award,” said Dr. Palano. “I have been inspired by the incredible women who have come before me and humbled to be among them. I’ve also been guided by exceptional mentors, many of whom are women, who have shown me what it means to lead with integrity, kindness and compassion. Ultimately, I believe this recognition reflects the collective work of our leadership team, and I’m grateful to work alongside such dedicated and passionate colleagues.”

Prior to becoming an assistant superintendent, Dr. Palano began her career at Seneca Valley in 2003 as a Spanish and French teacher at Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS). Eight years later she became the assistant principal at RGMS and later the principal at the former Evans City Middle School. In 2017, Dr. Palano was then promoted to director of analytics and federal programs and also supervised federal programming (Title I, Title II, Title III and Title IV) for the district.

“Dr. Palano has proven herself to be a very effective and engaging leader in data, curriculum, instruction and federal programs,” stated Dr. Tracy Vitale, Seneca Valley School District superintendent of schools. “This honor is well-deserved, and we applaud her as a distinguished emerging leader in the Pittsburgh region.”

Dr. Palano was recognized during an awards ceremony at the 22nd Annual Dr. Jean E. Winsand Workshop for Women in School Leadership earlier this month.