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MASD Hires New PD Chief, Honors Students
Students achieve accomplishment unmatched in 30 years
By Adam Reinherz
The Tube City Almanac
June 16, 2025
Posted in: McKeesport and Region News
Superintendent Don MacFann and students Lucas Sotereanos and Michael Pfeffercorn during the June 11 McKeesport Area School District regular board meeting. (Adam Reinherz photo for Tube City Almanac)
McKeesport Area School District recognized two students and hired a police chief during Wednesday’s school board meeting.
Superintendent Don MacFann congratulated Lucas Sotereanos and Michael Pfeffercorn on participating in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association All-State Chorus. Held on April 12 at Kalahari Convention Center in Pocono Summit, the concert featured student vocalists and musicians from across the Commonwealth.
Sotereanos and Pfeffercorn, MacFann said, are the first representatives of McKeesport to “qualify for the state choir in over 30 years.”
MacFann presented each teen with a certificate of accomplishment from the district.
Shortly before adjourning Wednesday’s school board meeting, school directors approved the hiring of Roger Pivirotto as district police chief. His salary, which is slated for $85,000 (pro-rated) and benefits per a 12-month employee in accordance with the Act 93 contract, was accepted pending review by Solicitor Gary Matta.
Pivirotto, who formerly served as Irwin police chief, possesses more than 30 years of law enforcement experience.
Following the meeting, Pivirotto told Tube City Almanac he was a state policeman for 25 years, served on the State Police Special Emergency Response Team, “which is a SWAT team,” was a station commander for the State Police at the Somerset Barracks, worked at the federal courthouse and provided judicial security.
“This kind of culminates that and puts it all together,” he said.
Pivirotto, who will replace retiring police chief Ray Andrekanic, said he’s eager to begin partnering with school leaders, students and community members.
Across the district, school safety has received increased attention.
Last month, School Director Matthew Holtzman said he and fellow School Director Jason Pavlecic — members of the safe schools committee — met with administrators and community members on May 1 to discuss the enhancement of district “security features.”
Holtzman mentioned the district’s need to “get up to standard” and said, it’s critical the district not “wait until the last minute, or be one of the last places to do it.”
“Throughout the country, emergency responses are starting to change,” Holtzman added. “Because of active shooter situations, and other things like that, we don't immediately evacuate [campuses] now.”
When asked about target hardening district buildings, Pivirotto said he needed to “evaluate everything.”
The process, he continued, would involve “looking at everything, seeing what's done and seeing if there's any improvements that need to be done.”
School director Jason Pavlecic praised Pivirotto and called the new hire “very qualified.”
“I’ve heard nothing but great things,” Pavlecic added.
Adam Reinherz is a Pittsburgh-based journalist. He can be reached at adam.reinherz@gmail.com.
Originally published June 16, 2025.
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