LEETONIA SCHOOLS Official expresses gratitude for help

The superintendent said the school board is focused on the right things.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LEETONIA -- After five months as Leetonia schools superintendent, Thomas Inchak said he is comfortable in his new post and is grateful for the welcome and the cooperation he has received.
Inchak took the post in January, succeeding Lynn King, who died in September from complications of heart surgery.
He said there are many good things about the district in a community that is supportive of its schools.
Inchak has divided his time between the regular rigors of school administration and the added responsibilities overseeing construction.
The district is to occupy a new school complex later this month that will house all the district's nearly 900 pupils.
Inchak said Leetonia pupils are "the best anywhere."
Offering praise
He lauded teachers and staff, especially treasurer Larry Syverson and the central office employees, for their willingness to help as he became familiar with his duties.
He said the district has some ragged edges because of frequent administration changes. The district has had seven superintendents in 15 years, mostly because the leaders have moved on to other posts.
He said he appreciated the help of teachers and staff as he took the district's top spot after King's death.
He said the board is focused on the right things. Although he and the board do not always agree, they do agree that the district's pupils are their top priority.
Inchak said his goal when he began was to continue programs already in place and help make the community even prouder of its school system.
"I think we've accomplished a great deal in five months," Inchak concluded.
His background
Except for two years as assistant principal of Champion High School, Inchak was in the Austintown district from 1976 until taking the Leetonia post.
He started at Austintown as a high school social studies teacher and a football, softball and track coach.
He was high school principal from 1989 to 1993, and then high school principal until 1998, when he took the position as director of instruction.
He lives in Austintown with his wife, Joanie. They have three children.
With new facilities comes space for improved curriculum and additional programs, and the district is turning over a new leaf, he said.
tullis@vindy.com