JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – The Greater Johnstown School District board’s special meeting Thursday brought a shakeup in school administration and the hiring of a new business manager.

Greater Johnstown Middle School Principal Matthew Ribblett will return to the role of assistant principal at the middle school; Greater Johnstown Elementary School Assistant Principal Ross Houston will become the middle school’s principal; and middle school Assistant Principal Monica Palko will become the elementary school’s assistant principal.

All other administrator positions are remaining the same.

Superintendent Amy Arcurio said the changes were part of a refresh in the district.

She said that Houston has proven himself a “wonderful leader” and thinks he’ll be a good fit at the middle school. She also commended Palko’s leadership ability and said her skillset will be well-suited at the elementary school.

“We want to ensure our students grow and develop from pre-school to 12th grade and create that through-line,” Arcurio said, and added that these transitions will help with that goal.

In a related matter, LesPaul Buchko was hired as the new business manager for a three-year term at a salary of $83,000. The board also accepted Buchko’s resignation from the role of business and computer information technology teacher, which he has held for the past two years.

“I’m very excited to start in this role,” Buchko said.

The Greater Johnstown alumnus said he’s looking forward to the opportunity to help his community and the students in his new job. He will succeed Samantha Williams, who has held the business manager position since 2020.

Other business handled by the board Thursday included honoring Greater Johnstown alumnus and benefactor Nick Subich with this year’s Friend of Education award.

Subich and his family have contributed scholarships to his alma mater’s athletes for the past six years, and this year Subich announced a $51,000, 15-year commitment to support the high school’s football program.

“Thank you all so much,” he said. “I really appreciate it.”

Several board members commended the 2013 graduate’s support for the district, describing him as a “success story” students can look up to.

Source: The Tribune-Democrat