BVA school board approves new Rostraver Elementary principal

Darren Vaccaro will replace Zachary Just.

The Belle Vernon Area school board approved several hirings Tuesday, including a new principal for Rostraver Elementary.

Darren Vaccaro will take over after the school’s former principal, Zachary Just, left to become the new principal at South Allegheny High School.

“Kids are number one, that’s why I’m in this business, the education is for the kids,” Vaccaro said. “It’s amazing to view the world through their eyes and the way they view everything. Whether they’re 5 years old or 12 years old, they look at everything very differently.”

Vaccaro has been a K-6 principal for six years and was previously the principal at Washington Park Intermediate School in Washington Pa.

Vaccaro looks forward to working with the local community and is especially excited to meet the students at Rostraver Elementary.

“I do have a plan for a few things, but I need to assess and see where we can make some positive changes for the students, the staff and the community,” he said.

Vaccaro said he’s excited to work with his staff and teachers to get to know the kids better and learn how to change the school for the better.

Other hires approved by the board Tuesday are:

• Jamie Maksin will be an assistant principal, but the school she will be assigned to is yet to be determined by the board.

• Rochelle Lee as the Belle Vernon Area High School head cook.

• Vince Makovics as a new bus driver.

• Therese Berkey as an art teacher at Marion Elementary.

• Alana Jump as a special education teacher at Marion Elementary.

• Charlie Belavic as an elementary career and technology teacher at Marion Elementary.

Also Tuesday, board members announced that they expect to have a new playground completed for Marion Elementary by the beginning of the school year.

“It will absolutely be ready for school, hopefully we can get kids on it in August, it’s really nice,” Superintendent Timothy Glasspool said.

The board also approved:

• Outside In Agreement to be the school-based substance abuse treatment provider.

• An agreement with Bayada Nursing Services.

• An addendum requiring Pressley Ridge to invoice the school district on a semester basis for all students enrolled at a semester rate per student of $20,400.

• Replacement of a ductless HVAC split system at BVA High School for $43,000.

• A new valve at Marion Elementary at $1,225.

• Pump repairs at Belle Vernon Middle School at $4,953.

• Replacement of a compressor at Marion Elementary at $14,504.

Rostraver Night Out will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 6, and BVA Reading Under the Stars will take place at 7 p.m. Aug. 8.