Ellwood City Area School District

ECASD Board of Directors Authorizes Appeal for Proposed Softball Field

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted to appeal the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Adjudication of the Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of Ellwood City relating to the proposed softball field during Monday’s regular meeting. All board members in attendance voted yes to support the appeal, and director Norman Boots was absent from the meeting. Director Kevin Boariu said he supports the appeal because he does not want the property to sit vacant and that he does not believe that the District should be in the business of owning unused property. Chris Voltz,…


Lincoln Jr/Sr. High School Identified For Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI)

According to information made available the by the district, Lincoln Jr/Sr. High School was identified for Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) due to challenges in proficiency and growth on standardized assessments, Career and College Readiness, and Attendance. “Over the past year, our entire school community has worked with focus and dedication to improve in these areas, and we are proud to announce that we have met the challenge,” says Director of Educational Programs, Dr. Amy Anderson. Thanks to the hard work of LHS students, teachers, staff, and families, the school has not been re-designated for TSI for this coming school…


Virginia Smith Named One Of The 18 Under Eighteen Honorees for Junior Achievement

Lincoln Jr/Sr. High School 7th Grader Virginia Smith has been announced as one of the 18 Under Eighteen honorees for Junior Achievement of Western PA (JA). The newest 18 Under Eighteen class, presented by the EQT Foundation, is a constellation of extraordinary young leaders redefining what it means to inspire and create meaningful change. From trailblazing entrepreneurs and visionary medical pioneers to passionate advocates who are fostering a society where everyone can thrive, these young luminaries are the trailblazers of two generations rewriting the very definition of influence. At just 13 years old, Virginia Smith founded From Books to Blessings,…


ECASD Board of Directors Hires Superintendent

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted to hire Dr. Amy Anderson as Superintendent for a five-year contract beginning July 1, 2025, pending completion of contract. Board President Jennifer Tomon said Anderson’s salary will be $150,000 per year. Director Norman Boots was the only “No” vote and expressed that he believed that Anderson should be paid a lower salary and get salary bumps on a tiered system. Director Kevin Boariu had no doubt that the board picked the right candidate, and that he believes the district has made great progress in areas such as reading. “I don’t…


Zoning Board to Consider Exemption For Proposed Girls Softball Field

As Ewing Park residents continue to oppose a girls softball field at the Ewing Park School property, the school district will make a special exemption request to implement the facility to the zoning hearing board during a 10 a.m. meeting on Dec 4. The meeting will be held at the borough building. Current zoning allows for a park or playground but not a sports field. The district hopes to win the appeal and get one step closer to the softball complex they have planned. The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a plan to commit to…


ECASD Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley Reflects on 35 Years in Education

Dr. Wesley Shipley began his 35-year career in education as a fifth-grade teacher and worked his way up to superintendent of the Ellwood City Area School District. Shipley will retire on June 30, 2025. The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors reluctantly passed a motion to accept his retirement during the November 14 regular meeting. Shipley said serving the district and students has been a pleasure. He said Ellwood stands out among his best years in education. “This has been the most fulfilling position that I’ve ever had,” he said. “I’ll mostly miss the people. The entire community…


ECASD Board of Directors Approve Retirement of District Superintendent

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors reluctantly passed a motion to accept the retirement of District Superintendent Dr. Wesley Shipley during Thursday evening’s regular meeting. As the motion was made, there wasn’t an easy second. Board President Jennifer Tomon said she is happy for Shipley but sad for the district. Shipley will continue to serve as superintendent until June 30, 2025. Shipley said serving the district and students has been a pleasure. During his 35 years in education, he said he has held roles at numerous districts, but Ellwood stands out. “This has been the most fulfilling…


Ellwood City Fall Sports Q&A 2024: Part 3

This is part three of a three part series featuring area athletes in fall 2024 sports. [VIEW PART TWO] [VIEW PART ONE] The start of fall sports is upon us, so we took the opportunity catch up with the athletes of those teams to see what they are doing to prepare for the upcoming rivalries and to offer some perspective on the season ahead and their plans for the future. Ellwood City Athletes Arianna Salvucci Sport? Tennis Grade? 12 How many years have you have participated? This is my third year playing tennis. What do you feel is your biggest strength?…


ECASD Administrators: Back to School A Smooth Transition

Ellwood City Area School District administrators said despite construction at the high school, back to school in all buildings was a smooth transition. “I am so happy to be back in school,” high school Principal John Sovich said. He said around mid-August, he received numerous calls from parents who feared their children would be starting school online. He said he assured them that the kids would be back in a brick-and-mortar classroom on time, and he was right. He echoed the sentiments of many other administrators who spoke before him during Monday’s Agenda Meeting of the ECASD Board of Directors….


Ellwood City School District Offices and LHS Offices Closed August 5-9

In a temporary closure to help address plumbing upgrades, the Ellwood City Area School District Offices and Lincoln High School Offices will be closed for a week beginning Monday, August 5th. “We are closing because water has to be turned off the entire week for plumbing upgrades,” said Wes Shipley, Superintendent, in an email. Due to the construction, the August School Board Meetings will be held at Perry Lower Intermediate School on Monday, August 5th at 7:00 p.m. and  Thursday, August 8th at 7:00 p.m. According to Shipley, this minor closure and plumbing upgrade is the only remaining work scheduled…