Bethel Park School District Superintendent Thomas Knight died on Friday.

The district released a statement on its website Saturday. Dr. Knight's cause of death has not been released.

Knight was hired in December 2005 as the district’s 11th superintendent, at a time when the school district was experiencing financial difficulty and high administrative turnover.  

“Dr. Knight was the right leader at the right time for Bethel Park,” said Nancy Aloi Rose in a statement, assistant superintendent under Knight.

“His leadership style was simple, direct and effective.  He treated everyone with warmth and respect, and he supported his staff with his words and actions.  Every decision he made was well thought-out and based primarily on the best interests of our students, staff and community.

“He was loved by his staff. His passing is a great loss for the Bethel Park School District.”

Knight came to Bethel Park from East Allegheny School District, where he served as superintendent since 1998.

Prior to East Allegheny, Knight was the superintendent in the Bethlehem-Center School District in Washington County. 

He began his career in education in the California Area School District as an elementary teacher.

Funeral arrangements have not been finalized. The viewing will take place the week of July 25 at the Mariscotti Funeral Home, 343 4th Street, California, PA 15419.

Those who wish to send expressions of sympathy to his family can send them to the Bethel Park Administration Building, 301 Church Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102.

Nancy Aloi Rose is serving as the district's current substitute superintendent.