A Long Chapter Comes to a Close
After nearly three decades at the helm of the Altoona Area School District’s technology efforts, Bryce Cossitor will step down as Technology Director effective Friday, Dec. 5.
Cossitor began his AASD journey in 1998 as a technology coordinator, transitioning from prior work as a computer programming instructor at the Vocational‑Technical School (now Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center) — and running a small consulting and custom‑programming business for about 10 years.
When the formal “technology director” role was established (coinciding with the district’s departure from the old computer consortium), he became the first to hold it — and has since shepherded the district’s IT growth, cybersecurity, device‑programs, and data integrity systems.
Reflections on a Career Marked by Change
Looking back, Cossitor noted that when he first started teaching, schools relied on early IBM personal computers — many without hard drives — and data was stored on floppy disks. There was no internet as we know it; people often used modem‑based bulletin boards to connect.
Over the years, he witnessed the full evolution of educational technology — from early standalone computers to the widespread use of the internet, social media, instant messaging, and today’s AI‑enabled tools. That journey has shaped how students learn, communicate, and interact with technology.
Cossitor admitted managing district cybersecurity and data integrity often felt like maintaining “a huge house of cards,” where a single failure might disrupt many interconnected systems. The pressure and responsibility, in his words, have been significant.
A Legacy Beyond Technology
His impact wasn’t limited to IT. According to Brad Hatch, the district’s superintendent, Cossitor was more than “just” the technology director — he was a mentor, a friend, and a pillar of institutional knowledge: “You can’t replace a Bryce.”
Under his guidance, AASD became one of the region’s first districts to adopt a one‑to‑one program, issuing devices to students for use at school and at home.
Beyond tech, Cossitor was deeply involved in the arts community: for many years, he collaborated with his son (a drama and fine arts teacher) to produce school musicals, and was active with the Altoona Community Theatre since 1986.
What’s Next: Retirement — and New Beginnings
Post‑retirement, Cossitor isn’t planning to fade away quietly. He aims to take on consulting work with the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO). He’s also looking forward to spending more time with family, returning to the theater, directing his church choir, and finally taking those long‑planned family vacations to Disney — a place where he always felt a childlike sense of wonder and admiration for the technology behind the magic.
Cossitor acknowledged that his departure feels bittersweet — “like saying goodbye to something that you raised.” But he’s confident the district’s technology future is in capable hands.
A New Chapter for AASD Tech Leadership
In August 2025, the school board appointed Justin Arthur as the new Technology Director. Arthur previously served as a technology instructional coach at AASD and spent 11 years as Technology Director at another district before returning.
Arthur described his upcoming role as a continuation of Cossitor’s work, promising to build on past achievements and pave new paths in educational technology.
Cossitor emphasized the importance of staying current: while schools may not always afford the “biggest and best,” students deserve tools that reflect the world they’ll graduate into — including responsibly integrated artificial intelligence
