Canfield High principal post to remain vacant — for now

Dr. Abby Barone, Retires

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Dr. Abby Barone - Canfield High School Principal retires after more than 30 years -

By Jon Moffett

The superintendent cites decreased revenue as the reason not to hire a new one.

CANFIELD — Canfield High School will take a recess from having a principal for a while.

The school board unanimously supported a recommendation by Superintendent Dante Zambrini to leave the position vacant for now. The school has been without a principal after Dr. Abby Barone retired last month. She held the position for 11 years.

“It’s not saying the position is not needed; it’s simply saying that at this time, the money is more necessary for students and teachers,” Zambrini said. “There is no doubt that Dr. Barone will be missed because of her knowledge and experience, but this issue is not about that.”

The school board met Wednesday afternoon to discuss the matter. The decision was made in part because the district has had a reduction of more than $300,000 in revenue over the past year.

Zambrini said the tentative state budget also has been an issue. He said officials in Columbus have warned there is a “strong probability” of a 1 percent decrease in funding for this year and a 2 percent decrease next year. In total, Zambrini said the school district could face a deficit of $500,000.

The decision was necessary but not permanent, Zambrini said, and the school board will review the situation again next year.

The high school will utilize two “unit principals” for the 2009-10 school year instead of hiring a replacement. Assistant principals Michael Moldovan and John Tullio will each oversee two grade levels. Moldovan will oversee grades nine and 10, and Tullio will be responsible for grades 11 and 12.

Zambrini said he is confident and supportive of both the system and those involved. He added that the Moldovan and Tullio’s educational backgrounds will allow them to handle the unique circumstances until a permanent solution is made.

“Both offer strong talents to the high school,” Zambrini said. “We look forward to a smooth and seamless transition. We are very excited.”

Zambrini said Moldovan was selected to oversee grades nine and 10 because of his prior experience as an administrator. Having spent time as principal in another school district and the past nine years in Canfield, Moldovan will be in charge of acclimating new students to the high school as part of a transition program.

“When you went to college, you probably had a transition program,” he said. “This transition program is one where [Moldovan] will assist the eighth-grade unit principal to help with this transition here.”

Tullio served as an administrator with Youngstown city schools and has extensive experience in dealing with curriculum, Zambrini said. All administrative duties, dealing with both curriculum and building operations, will be appointed to each administrator. Zambrini said he will help Molovan and Tullio by acting as a third administrator for extracurricular activities.

The superintendent gave the men a vote of confidence, saying, “I know they will do, as they have in the past, their very best to help each student.”

jmoffett@vindy.com