The Wilkinsburg School District Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Cara McKenna as the new Principal of Turner Intermediate School. Ms. McKenna brings more than 15 years of administrative leadership experience and a strong commitment to serving students, supporting educators, and building school communities where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Throughout her career, Ms. McKenna has demonstrated a passion for creating schools where students feel known, valued, and supported. Her leadership is centered on building trusting relationships, fostering a positive school culture, supporting high-quality instruction, and using data to guide decisions that improve outcomes for students.
Ms. McKenna joins Wilkinsburg School District after recently being appointed Principal of Steel Valley Middle School, following her successful service as Interim Principal of Park Elementary School within the Steel Valley District. During her time in Steel Valley, Ms. McKenna demonstrated the ability to build strong relationships, strengthen school systems, and support a positive culture focused on student growth and achievement. Her appointment to the middle school principal position reflects the trust placed in her leadership and her ability to support students, staff, and families across grade levels.
Prior to joining Steel Valley, Ms. McKenna served as Principal of Logan Elementary School in the East Allegheny School District and spent twelve years as an Assistant Principal in Pittsburgh Public Schools, serving in a variety of K-8 and secondary settings, including the role of Interim Principal at Arlington K-8. These experiences have provided her with a broad perspective on instructional leadership, school improvement, and the importance of creating schools where students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally.
As Principal of Turner Intermediate School, Ms. McKenna is committed to supporting the continued work of the Wilkinsburg School District and advancing the district’s priorities of improving teaching and learning, strengthening school culture and climate, building meaningful relationships with students, families, and the community, and using data to identify opportunities for growth. She believes that increasing student engagement, reducing barriers to attendance, and providing students with strong academic support are essential components of creating successful schools.
Ms. McKenna believes that every student deserves access to rigorous instruction, caring relationships, and a school environment where they feel a true sense of belonging. She looks forward to partnering with Turner Intermediate students, staff, families, and the greater Wilkinsburg community to continue building on the important work already underway.
Ms. McKenna holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master’s Equivalency in Education from Gannon University, and a Principal Certificate from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She also completed the Principal Pipeline program through Pittsburgh Public Schools.
Ms, McKenna is excited for the opportunity to serve as Principal of Turner Intermediate School and looks forward to working alongside Superintendent Dr. Jocelyn Artinger, district leadership, staff, families, and community partners. She extends her gratitude to the Wilkinsburg School Board of Directors and Dr. Artinger for the opportunity to serve in this role and is honored to begin this next chapter of leadership and service to the Wilkinsburg Community.
Click here to read her letter to students, families, staff, and the Wilkinsburg community.