MCDONALD Schools chief Robert Bloniarz to retire

Two school principals got new contracts and pay raises.
By MARY R. SMITH
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
McDONALD -- School Superintendent Robert Bloniarz announced his retirement and the school board gave him a raise.
After serving the district for a total of 13 years as high school principal and then as superintendent of schools, Robert Bloniarz announced Thursday he will retire July 31.
His closest associate in the administrative office, Treasurer Thomas Radabaugh, said of Bloniarz, & quot;He's one of the finest men I have ever known. & quot;
Bloniarz told the school board Thursday: & quot;I couldn't have hoped for a better position. This is an outstanding place to work. It's been a wonderful, wonderful experience. & quot;
The board approved Bloniarz's retirement resignation, and board president William Roux thanked the superintendent for his service, saying: & quot;A lot of the things we are benefiting from now we would never have been able to have, & quot; if it weren't for Bloniarz's work.
Roux noted specifically the millions of dollars in renovations at the high school and construction of a new elementary school, which are being funded by the Ohio School Facilities Commission and local taxpayers.
Board member William Kunkel told the superintendent he would like to see him stay another year because of the construction project.
Member Robert Jones said he approved the retirement resignation & quot;with reservations, & quot; adding & quot;I don't want to see you go, but it's your choice, and I wish you good luck. & quot;
Bloniarz, 59, who resides in Mogadore, Ohio, said his retirement plans now are to spend time with his daughters, who live in various parts of the state.
Bloniarz was principal at McDonald High school for nine years, starting in 1990, and has been superintendent for four years, replacing now-Lordstown Superintendent Ray Getz.
He was also a principal at Crestwood High School in Portage County for 13 years and dean of students at Akron-Hoban High School for nine years.
He holds a bachelor's in education from the University of Akron and a master's degree in education administration from Kent State University.
Other raises
In other business Thursday, the board gave Bloniarz a 3 percent raise, retroactive to Aug. 1, taking his annual salary from $70,300 to $72,409.
The board gave three-year contracts, retroactive to Aug. 1, to high school Principal John Larocca and Roosevelt Elementary School Principal Tony Russo. They got 3-percent raises in the first two years of the contracts.
Larocca's salary will go from $62,300 to $64,169 through July 31, 2003, and to $66,094 from Aug. 1, 2003, to July 31, 2005. Russo's will go from $57,218 to $58,934 this year and to $60,702 from Aug. 1, 2003, through July 31, 2005.