SUPERINTENDENT’S
MESSAGE
Dear Franklin Regional Community:
The start of another school year at Franklin Regional ignites a renewed passion as we strive
to provide our students with a world-class education. The 2016-2017 school year will bring
several very exciting opportunities that embody FR’s Foundational Planks:
Dr. Gennaro R. Piraino, Jr.
Superintendent
1. A safe and healthy educational environment by serving as effective stewards of all district
resources and capital assets
2. A world-class educational system that develops college and career-ready students
3. Improved performance and growth levels in all areas – academic, artistic, and athletic
Dr. Mary Catherine Reljac
Assistant Superintendent
Marlena Buterbaugh
Director of Human Resources
Jon C. Perry
Director of Financial Services
FR A NKL I N RE GI ON AL NE WS
ranklin Regional
Linda Miller
Assistant to the Director
of Financial Services
Brad Schrecengost
Supervisor of
Technology Services
James Heck
Director of Facilities
Zachary Kessler
Director of Athletics
& Student Activities
Dr. Richard E. Regelski, Jr.
Director of Special Education
Cara A. Zanella
Director of Development &
Communications
Jennifer DiFulvio
Supervisor of Support Services
Donna Wolf
School Board Secretary/
Executive Assistant
to the Superintendent
Ronald Suvak, Principal
Senior High School
Andrew Leviski, Principal
Middle School
Robert Buffone, Principal
Heritage Elementary
Tina Gillen, Principal
Newlonsburg Elementary
Tina Burns, Principal
Sloan Elementary
42 Murrysville
4. Outstanding customer service, family partnerships, stakeholder relationships, and
community engagement through communication that is professional, responsive, clear,
and timely
5. Fiscal integrity, efficiency, and governance effectiveness in all operational areas
As the District looks toward the future, and with the support from our Board of School
Directors, we are engaging in a comprehensive facility feasibility study that will guide us
in helping determine our needs in the areas of capital improvement and technological
infrastructure, which will advance FR to the next level of excellence in education.
This edition of IN Murrysville highlights some of the wonderful accomplishments of our
students and staff. Six of our talented art students made us proud by winning several awards
at the 2016 Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival. We also celebrated three students, Anishaa
Sivakumar, Victor Mao, and Jillian Zachar who were named National Merit Scholarship Finalists
and two Franklin Regional students who were national finalists in a scholarship contest for
designing prom apparel constructed out of “Duck Tape.”
FR is proud of two of its administrators for their career development accomplishments. FR’s
Assistant Superintendent and Director of Special Education both successfully earned their
doctorates through the University of Pittsburgh. We also restructured our administrative staff
and welcomed a new member to the team, which will strengthen our services to our schools
and communities in the way of communications, educational delivery, and special services. As a
District, we continue to attract the most talented and qualified individuals to serve our families.
As a school community, we encourage our staff members to embrace every professional
development opportunity that is presented to them so they can continue to grow and evolve
as educators.
We are also excited about our STEAM grant made possible through the Allegheny Intermediate
Unit. In addition, our various ongoing STREAM-related and workforce development initiatives
and partnerships create tremendous opportunities for our students and staff. As a District, we
are collaborating with our community partners to develop and implement a comprehensive,
well-balanced educational program.
We are perched on the cutting edge of something very exciting and challenging. As our
journey for educational excellence continues, we look forward to leading our schools in a new,
ground-breaking direction. Our community, our School Board, and our staff remain steadfast in
our resolve to provide a world-class educational experience for ALL students. Our work has only
just begun!
Sincerely,
Dr. Gennaro Piraino, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools