MCDONALD SCHOOLS Board picks a new chief

The superintendent is a 1974 graduate of McDonald .
By MARY R. SMITH
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
McDONALD -- The school board named Michael F. Wasser the district's new superintendent.
Wasser, 46, is principal of Emerson Elementary School in Warren, a post he has held since 1998.
A 1974 graduate of McDonald High School, Wasser will start his new duties Aug. 1, replacing Robert Bloniarz, whose retirement is effective July 31.
The board on Monday gave Wasser a two-year contract at a first-year salary of $70,000.
In addition, Wasser will be paid $200 a day for up to 15 days in July to work with Bloniarz to make the transition into the superintendent's position.
"I am just ecstatic. I am really walking into a wonderful situation with the renovated high school and the new elementary school," Wasser said.
He said the local district has a great staff and great administration, and said he believes the job of superintendent will be a lot of fun and a lot of hard work.
"I thank everybody for giving me this," he added.
Career history
Before becoming Emerson principal, he was assistant principal at East Middle School, Warren. He was a fifth grade teacher in Warren and also taught at Younstown's Lincoln Elementary School.
Wasser and his wife, the former Eva Piecuch, have a daughter, Melissa, who attends fifth grade in McDonald. They reside at 823 Texas Ave.
Wasser received a bachelor's degree in education from Youngstown State University in 1991 and a master's in educational administration from Ashland University in 1997. He earned his superintendent's certification through Ashland last year.
Bloniarz was making $72,000 annually. He replaced Ray Getz, who left to become superintendent of Lordstown Schools.