Gildea to Leave LD

Lower Dauphin School District superintendent Dr. Robert J. Gildea has confirmed to The Sun that he is resigning prior to the start of the 2025-26 school year to become chief education officer at Bishop Guilfoyle Academy.

In a statement issued to The Sun, Gildea said, “I have come to realize that Lower Dauphin is a special and unique district, one like no other I have ever experienced. In just two years, I have been privileged to work alongside a community and staff that is unwavering in their dedication to our children.”

The resignation was not expected. Gildea has recently been visiting officials in the five municipalities that mak eup the school district to introduce himself as superintendent.

However, according to the statement, “(Gildea’s) decision comes after careful reflection on the next chapter in his life and career.”

That chapter will be set in Altoona, where Bishop Guilfoyle is a highly regarded, pre-K through 12th grade prep school associated with, but independent of, the Altoona/

Johnstown Catholic Diocese. Last year, the BG Marauders won the PIAA Class

1A state football championship.

Gildea took the Lower Dauphin post in October 2023. Gildea’s successor will become Lower Dauphin’s fourth superintendent since the departure of long-time superintendent Sherri Smith in 2017.

Gildea said he will stay on board to assist with the transition to his successor, which is expected to happen over the summer school break.

“I look forward to working with the Lower Dauphin staff over the next five months and following the district’s continued growth and success in the years to come with the pride of knowing I was once privileged to be part of the Falcon Family,” Gildea said.

Learn more here.