*Note: This story was updated at 3 p.m. on July 10 to reflect the announcement of a resolution to suspend employment of a principal at Ellwood City Area School District.
Citing a substantial decline in student enrollment of 15 percent during the 2015-2016 through 2019-2020 school years in the Lincoln High School, grades 7-12 building, the Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors passed a resolution to suspend the employment of Nadia Engel, assistant principal at Lincoln High School.
The resolution, received via email today, also states that the Board reserves the right to authorize and direct such other personnel actions as may be necessary and appropriate in light of the decline in enrollment.
The Board voted publicly last night to “suspend staff” due to a “decline in enrollment.” The 6-3 vote followed multi-meeting discussions to remove a principal.
Although the board had decided in executive session which principal would be removed, they refused to announce the name publicly last night.
Board President Renee Pitrelli said the person had not been notified yet, and that an announcement would be made Friday.
Directors Jennifer Tomon, Erica Gray, and Gary Rozanski voted against the move. Both Tomon and Gray have been outspoken regarding this cut to administration.
They were not alone in their dissent. Approximately 50 people gathered at the school’s auditorium for answers regarding the administrative cut and back to school procedures.
Ashley Shriver insisted that principals play a big role in a student’s education.
She scanned the front row of principals as she said each one is memorable in her mind as a graduate of the district.
“How do you come upon deciding to get rid of a principal?” she asked.
Shriver was among a group who demanded to know the name of the principal the board decided to cut.
Others joined Shriver in disapproval of the elimination citing the need for extra guidance during the pandemic as the tentative return to school will require adherence to state regulations as well as a need for overall safety.
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