Forest City appoints new superintendent

BY MEGHAN DAVIS, Times-Shamrock Writer

The Forest City Regional School Board has unanimously approved John Kopicki as assistant superintendent.

Kopicki will begin his duties July 1, replacing Superintendent Robert J. Vadella, Ph.D., who decided not to renew his contract that will expire Jan. 1. Dr. Vadella was superintendent for eight years.  Kopicki will officially become superintendent after Dr. Vadella’s contract expires.

Kopicki, who was one of 13 applicants for the position, was the principal at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Scranton before taking the Forest City job.

“We’re really excited about him coming aboard,” said board President Mary Emmet. “Dr. Vadella has gotten a lot of programs started that have been really good for the school, so we’re hoping Kopicki will continue on.”

In other business, board members spoke further about budget cuts the district will face for the upcoming school year.

Programs have to be scaled back because of a lack of funds – driver’s education being one of them, Emmet said. The school will still offer the theory aspect of the course, but because of additional expenses, behind-the-wheel training will be cut.

In addition, the district’s technology budget will be cut. Things that must be replaced will be, Emmet said, but, for example, the school will hold off on replacing working computers for a longer period.

The school’s final budget will be announced at a special meeting set for Monday, June 27, at 7:30 p.m. in the high school library.