Dr. Robert Gildea, Lower Dauphin’s newest superintendent. Gildea looks forward to making an impact in the LDSD community.

Living in Hollidaysburg, PA for virtually his entire life, new Lower Dauphin Superintendent Dr. Robert Gildea has a unique challenge ahead, which is to simply become comfortable with this area. 

Gildea admits that his unfamiliarity is not something that he is used to but is something that he wants to work on changing. “I’d say 90% [of my entry plan] was becoming familiar with the district. Not a lot of people know me, and I don’t know a lot of people. I’m looking forward to just talking with people and finding out through their lens what’s good and what needs improvement.” 

The new face around the district grew up in the aforementioned Hollidaysburg before attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania, St. Francis University, University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University for his postsecondary education. He then worked his way from a third grade teacher to a principal, athletic director, cyber instructor and then ultimately superintendent at his alma mater Hollidaysburg for the last 10 years before his move to LDSD. 

Arriving in a new place in the midst of a school year is not an easy task, but Gildea emphasized that, “The good thing about it is that things are moving, so many good things are already going.”

He also commented that he already attended a few LD sporting events, including watching field hockey for the first time ever. Athletics are a big part of the superintendent’s life and he pointed out how important they are to the LDSD community, as well. 

Of his move to the area, Gildea described how great of a fit it is for him. Now with all four of his children in college or graduated, Hummelstown is a great spot for him and his wife to settle into and eventually retire in. 

As for now, catch the newest Falcon around the school buildings and at sporting events, which are a big part of both the superintendent’s life and the LDSD community. Gildea mentioned how excited he is for this opportunity and “how awesome this place is.” 

“[Initially] I didn’t know a lot about it. People said that this was an awesome district and it’s a perfect fit for me, an awesome place to come to. I couldn’t be happier here.”