The Penn-Trafford School District will reposition administrators throughout its different schools next year. According to Matthew Harris, the superintendent of the school district, this strategic initiative is intended to better cater to each school’s unique needs. The district anticipates a seamless transition with administrators ready to apply their unique strengths and insights in new settings.
“This movement is designed not just to maintain but to significantly enhance the quality of education and school life for our students,” Harris stated.
Specifically, Karin Coiner will be the new principal at Harrison Park Elementary, Joe Marasti at Sunrise Estates Elementary, Dan DiNapoli at Level Green Elementary, and Jeff Swartz and Roger Sullivan at Trafford K-8. Additionally, P-T High School’s Amy Horvat will move to assistant principal at Trafford K-8, with more of a focus on Trafford Elementary School.
Harris added, “We are very fortunate at Penn-Trafford that all of our principals are very effective and highly qualified.”
According to the letter sent to district families, the realignment brings fresh perspectives to the schools in the district, mainly highlighting curriculum development, extracurricular activities and community involvement; furthermore, assessments of the effectiveness of each leadership shift will take place every three to five years.
Harris explained that one of the issues leading to the realignment was that DiNapoli was the principal for two schools — both Trafford Elementary and Level Green Elementary.
“We had concerns for safety with not having a principal present 50 percent of the time, so we wanted to address that as well during the realignment,” Harris stated.
The letter to families also stated that this shift reflects the district’s commitment to ensuring that its schools are well-positioned for success. Additionally, the district is organizing meet and greet sessions, which will provide an opportunity for students, parents, and teachers to get to know the new principals; this will likely take place at the annual open house during the summer.
Abby Dreistadt, Editor in Chief