Shamokin Area School District

Superintendent

Chris J. Venna

Email: cvenna@indians.k12.pa.us

Mr. Venna began his Superintendency on July 1, 2018.  Prior to his role as Superintendent, he served the Shamokin Area School District as the Middle/High School Principal since 2004.  Mr. Venna earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Bucknell University in 1994 and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Wilkes University in 2003.  He holds administrative certifications through Bucknell University and Wilkes University in the areas of Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility and Principal (K-12), respectively.  He also holds teaching certifications through Susquehanna University in the areas of Mathematics (7-12) and Physics (7-12).

Educationally, Mr. Venna believes that ALL students can learn and that schools should be a place where parents can send their sons and daughters with the assurance of a safe environment in which all students are educated to their full potential and valued as individuals.

Outside of school, Mr. Venna is extremely active and involved in the community.  He serves on several local boards, including the LCCC (Shamokin campus) Advisory Board and the Salvation Army Advisory Board.  He is the Chairman of PIAA District IV and serves as the Basketball and Competitive Spirit Chair.  He is also the Shamokin Area Girls Varsity Basketball Coach and is a registered PIAA Basketball Official.  Additionally, he serves as an adjunct math instructor for Luzerne County Community College in Shamokin.  Mr. Venna volunteers for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, March of Dimes, and the American Heart Association.  In 2009, Mr. Venna was awarded the Dr. Walt Kealey Leadership Award for Inspired Leadership by the Pennsylvania PTA.  On a personal level, he enjoys spending time with his twin daughters Gabrielle and Gianna, sports, and exercising.