NEW CASTLE Schools name new chief

Two board members said they wanted a wider search.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Soon after George Gabriel became a principal in the New Castle Area School District, his father insisted he prepare himself to become a school superintendent.
That insistence finally paid off. Gabriel, 53, was named the new superintendent for the city school district at a special school board meeting Wednesday. He most recently held the post of substitute superintendent.
"I can think of no greater honor in my educational career than to be elected superintendent of schools in my home district," Gabriel said.
Contract
Board members agreed to a five-year contract, beginning July 1, 2003. Gabriel will be paid $102,382 in the first year and get an increase of $1,800 plus 1.0175 percent per year thereafter.
He will replace Joseph Martin, who is retiring as superintendent after this school year. Martin held that position for 23 years.
Gabriel promised board members and about 50 people attending the special meeting that he would bring accountability to the district without affecting education.
He said he would set high standards for pupils, hold staff accountable for students' achievement and institute a policy to recruit new teachers and administrators.
Gabriel added he will aggressively seek out competitive grant money.
He said it is his goal to make sure every child in the district becomes a successful reader by the time he or she reaches third grade.
Hiring methods questioned
School board members praised Gabriel, but two school board members questioned the board's methods of hiring.
Larry Nord said he doesn't believe the district followed the correct hiring procedure.
He said it should have advertised for the position and the search should have taken at least half a year. Interviews should have been handled by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, as well as community members and the school board, he added.
None of those things was done, Nord said.
Board member Andrea Przybylski agreed.
"While I find Mr. Gabriel to be very capable and he may be the most qualified, but by not advertising for the position we give the perception to the community that we have not hired based on merit," she said.
Both voted against hiring Gabriel.
Others said they believe he was the most qualified candidate and added they were following a state recommendation to eliminate an administrative position. Gabriel's current job as administrative assistant to the superintendent will not be filled in an effort to save money.
School officials are facing a deficit in the coming school budget and received several recommendations from the Pennsylvania Department of Education on how to save money.
School Board President Lynn Padice said the district interviewed three candidates, all current employees of the district, before deciding to hire Gabriel.
Peter Yerage, chairman of the committee in charge of the superintendent, said he consulted the PSBA and the Midwestern Intermediate Unit when developing interview questions and strategies. He said he did not believe the district had to go outside the community when looking for a new superintendent.