School board names principal administrative services chief

HERMITAGE, Pa. -- The principal of Artman Elementary School will be the district's director of administrative services effective July 1.
The Hermitage School Board, meeting in special session Monday, named Carol Gurrera, a 34-year veteran of the district, to the post.
Duane Piccirilli said director of administrative services is a new title replacing that of director of curriculum and instruction and special support services.
That position is being vacated by Karen Ionta who has been named superintendent effective July 1, succeeding Dr. Louis Mastrian whose contract wasn't renewed by the board.
Gurrera's starting salary in her new post will be $84,900 a year. If she had remained as an elementary principal, she would have made $81,447 next year, Piccirilli said.
She joined Hermitage as a teacher and has a strong background in special and gifted education. She also has a superintendent's certificate, Piccirilli said.
The appointment leaves the district three principals short for next school year.
Hermitage was already searching for a principal and assistant principal for Hickory High School but must now also find a replacement for Gurrera, Piccirilli said.