SUPERINTENDENT’S
MESSAGE
Dear FR Community:
Dr. Gennaro R. Piraino, Jr.
Superintendent
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
Due to the fantastic programs and projects that showcase our students and staff, I am
exceptionally excited to introduce this issue of IN Murrysville. We are very proud to recognize
our Homecoming Court, the new Newlonsburg Elementary garden, and our National History
Day program at the Middle School. These are just a few of the many stories you will read about
that feature our exceptional students and staff.
Also, the District is currently engaged in a comprehensive study of our K-12 facilities that
will help us, as a community, define our future needs as FR continues to evolve as a world-class
educational system. Town Hall meetings are taking place and committees have been formed
with various community stakeholders that will shape the scope of our future facility plans
by examining options for physical plant enhancements that support our vision of academic,
artistic, and athletic excellence. There is an article in this edition that details the feasibility study
process and how it will impact FR for many generations.
The District also welcomes the newly formed Franklin Regional Panther Foundation, Inc. as
a partner. The Foundation is dedicated to enhancing and expanding academic, artistic, and
athletic opportunities for all students in the Franklin Regional School District by fostering
community wide support and promoting philanthropy. The Foundation is comprised of a
talented and well-respected Board of Directors, who share our passion for Franklin Regional
and the success of our students in academics, the arts, and athletics. We look forward to our
community’s involvement in supporting our students and programming through the FR
Panther Foundation!
I am proud to state that FR is not only respected locally, but is now gaining statewide
recognition with its role in the Westmorland County Workforce Development Forum. I had the
pleasure of meeting and engaging the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education, Pedro Rivera, on
the topics of workforce development and educational reform. We have an interesting article
focused on how FR, along with other Westmoreland County schools are joining hands with
business, industry, health care, non-profit organizations, and higher education to lead the way
toward the development of viable career pathway opportunities for all students. Secretary
Rivera recognized Westmoreland County’s efforts as a model for other communities across
the Commonwealth. Together, our K-12 schools, businesses, and universities are forging new
ground and helping prepare students for college and career opportunities that will keep them
living, learning, and prospering in our region for generations to come.
As you read this issue of In-Murrysville, please join me in thanking our local taxpayers,
educational partners, and entire school community! As important stakeholders, you selflessly
support our students and staff as they strive for excellence, learning, achievement, and
citizenship in all that they do! Without your unwavering commitment to providing a worldclass educational experience for our students, Franklin Regional’s tradition of academic, artistic,
and athletic excellence would not be possible!
Yours in education,
Gennaro R. Piraino, Ed. D.
Students Practice Bus Safety
Twice a year, FR students participate in
bus evacuation drills as part of the District’s
ongoing safety initiative. The students practice
evacuating a bus in an orderly fashion and are
timed by faculty members and principals to
make sure the process is quick and efficient. The
goal of the drill is to make sure that students
are prepared to exit quickly from the District
vehicles should an emergency take place
while on a district bus or van. All FR schools
participate in the bus evacuation drills.