Dr. Gennaro R. Piraino, Jr. Superintendent
Dr. Jennifer Baginski Assistant Superintendent Elementary Education & Student Supports
Dr. Matthew Delp Assistant Superintendent – Secondary Education & Human Resources
Dr. Ryan Smith Director of Instruction & Support Services
Dr. Richard E. Regelski, Jr. Director of Special Education
Jon C. Perry Director of Financial Services
Tina Gillen Director of Innovation & Communication
Brad Schrecengost Supervisor of Technology Services
Brian Johnson Director of Facilities
Zachary Kessler Director of Athletics & Student Activities
Timothy Skoog Director of Safety & Security
Ronald Suvak Principal, Senior High School
Dr. Tawnia St. Amant Principal, Middle School
Dr. Robert Buffone Principal, Intermediate School
Lauren Reiber Principal, Primary School
Ericka Cowell Assistant Director of Financial Services
Donna Wolf School Board Secretary / Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
SUPERINTENDENT’ S MESSAGE
Dear Franklin Regional Community,
As the 2024 – 2025 school year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we have accomplished together and to celebrate the incredible young people who continue to make Franklin Regional a source of pride in Murrysville and beyond.
This year has been marked by excellence in every corner of our school district. From classrooms and science labs to concert halls, athletic arenas, and even international exchanges, our students have thrived— demonstrating resilience, talent, and a deep sense of Panther pride.
Academic Achievement
• More than 1,000 high school students participated in Advanced Placement and College-in- High-School courses, earning thousands of credits and saving their families over $ 1.9 million in college tuition.
• We proudly celebrated four National Merit Semifinalists this year— students whose academic performance places them among the nation’ s very best. Career & Readiness
• More than 120 students enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs, while many others gained real-world experience through internships and earned industry certifications in fields aligned with workforce needs. Arts & Athletics
• Hundreds of student-athletes competed with heart, representing Franklin Regional with integrity and determination.
• Multiple teams and individuals earned section and WPIAL championships— including our Franklin Regional Wrestling team, who proudly brought home a WPIAL title.
• Our fine arts programs also flourished, with hundreds of students sharing their talents through music, theater, and visual arts at every grade level.
Student Support and Wellness
• We remain committed to the whole child, and this year, we expanded essential services like school-based counseling, MAPS programming, and student assistance efforts to ensure that every student has the support they need to succeed— academically, emotionally, and socially.
Global and Local Connections
• One of the most inspiring moments of the year was welcoming visiting students from The Gymnasium School in Germany as part of our partnership with Ventana-USA. Just as powerful was seeing Franklin Regional students travel abroad in return— broadening their horizons and forming lifelong friendships.
• Locally, our partnerships with the Panther Foundation, businesses, and civic organizations continue to create new opportunities for our students every day.
To the Class of 2025
Twelve years ago, many of you walked into our schools, holding your parents’ hands, with backpacks nearly as big as you. This June, you walked across the stage as confident young adults, ready to shape the future. You’ ve grown into scholars, athletes, artists, leaders, and compassionate citizens. You’ ve faced challenges with courage and embraced opportunity with grace.
“ Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”— Henry David Thoreau
As we look ahead, I want to sincerely thank you— the families, community members, alumni, staff, and partners— who continue to support the Franklin Regional School District. Through your commitment and investment, our students are not only achieving academic success— they are building meaningful futures and accomplishing their hopes and dreams. Because of you, Franklin Regional remains an outstanding place to live, learn, work, and play.
Thank you for believing in our mission. Thank you for believing in our children. And thank you for helping make Franklin Regional a place where excellence truly happens every day.
With gratitude,
Dr. Gennaro R. Piraino, Jr. Superintendent of Schools Franklin Regional School District ranklin Regional FRANKLIN REGIONAL NEWS
MURRYSVILLE | SUMMER 2025 29