LORDSTOWN At elementary school, a matter of principal

The superintendent's retirement leaves the elementary-school principal's job open.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LORDSTOWN -- Parents of elementary-school pupils said they understand that the school district is strapped for cash, but they still want to know what plans are being made for leadership.
The district's fiscal oversight commission met Tuesday at school board offices. About 20 parents attended to find out what will be done to fill the vacant principal's position.
The job was left open by a retirement more than two years ago, and since then Superintendent Raymond Getz has served in both positions.
Upcoming retirement
But with Getz's retiring in December, parents say they are worried the lack of an authority figure at the school could be a problem. Several parents attended a commission meeting earlier this year, armed with petitions asking the district to consider keeping Getz on as principal after his retirement. Getz has said he was flattered but had no plans to stay on.
But parents still believe his presence -- or at least the presence of some authority figure -- on a full-time basis is desirable.
"When Mr. Getz is there, it's amazing how much of a difference there is," said Julie Gearhart, parent of an elementary pupil.
Pupils act up
She said she hears from children and teachers that, when Getz is out of the building, pupils tend to act up more -- which disrupts learning.
"They are not getting the education they need," she said.
Gearhart said several parents say safety concerns are another reason to seriously consider filling the vacancy.
Marsha Harrison, a consultant from the Ohio Department of Education who heads the commission, said several financial matters -- including current contract negotiations -- need to fall in place before the district can look at hiring someone full-time.
"This is not something we want to ignore, or that will be pushed aside and forgotten about," she said.
Debt paid off
Also during the meeting, schools Treasurer Mark Ferrara said the district has paid off its $1.3 million debt to the state. When Lordstown schools were placed in fiscal crisis more than two years ago, officials were forced to borrow from the state to meet financial obligations until tighter spending practices were put into place.
Ferrara said Lordstown made its final payment toward the solvency loan last month.
slshaulis@vindy.com