Zappitelli is new principal at CHS

By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

June 30, 2009 08:25 pm

— CONNEAUT — The Conneaut Area City Schools District gained a new principal but learned at Monday night’s meeting it will lose its treasurer at the end of the year.
Board members agreed to hire Dawn Zappitelli as Conneaut High School principal. Zappitelli replaces Gordon Hitchcock, who recently resigned to take a position with the Cortland district.
The board also approved the resignation of Linda Bryan, the district’s treasurer. Bryan, who has held the job for six years, will step down Dec. 31, 2009, officials said.
“(Bryan) has been a pleasure to work with,” said Superintendent Kent Houston. “She has been the most accurate and meticulous peer I’ve ever worked with.”
Bryan came to Conneaut from the Jefferson school district in June 2003. At the end of 2009, Bryan will have logged 30 years in education, she said Tuesday.
“I’ve enjoyed my time here, and I extend my appreciation to the board, the people I work with and the taxpayers in Conneaut and Monroe Township for the opportunity,” Bryan said.
A recent illness, from which she has recovered, prompted Bryan’s decision to spend more time with family.
“It was a wake-up call,” she said.
Bryan said she will miss her co-workers and their dedication to duty and accuracy.
“I have an excellent staff,” she said. “The people in the district are fortunate to have them in their employ.”
Zappitelli worked as CHS’ athletic administrator last year. She came to the high school from Gateway Elementary School, where she was assistant principal. Zappitelli was awarded a two-year contract that pays $64,494 annually.
In other personnel news, the board formally approved the resignation of Hitchcock, plus the resignations of Michelle Dunlap (CHS science), Stacey Best (CHS guidance counselor) and Steve Rodgers (Conneaut Middle School music).
The board also accepted a handful of resignations from supplemental contracts, including G. Joseph Colucci and Gary Case (CMS track), Phil Schar (assistant football coach), Stephen Rodgers (CHS assistant band director and vocal director), Stacey Best (Individual Education Program chairwoman) and Mary Holdson (head softball coach).