Published: November 14, 2009 11:27 pm      

New Forest Hills principal is '92 alumnus

SIDMAN — Forest Hills High School’s new principal is back in some familiar surroundings.

Curt Vasas is a Sidman native and 1992 Forest Hills graduate.

He went on to college, majoring in chemistry and education at Pitt-Johnstown, before moving on to South Butler County School District, where he taught chemistry for 11 years.

Vasas was assistant principal at Canon-McMillan High School in Canonsburg, Washington County, when he heard about the opening at his alma mater.

“Returning home was one of the attractions, there is no doubt,” Vasas said at the school. “But Forest Hills has a very good reputation for administration, faculty

and staff. It was an opportunity I had to pursue.”

Vasas stepped into the job Oct. 23, replacing Edwin Bowser, who was named director of education in June upon Ray Danel’s retirement as assistant superintendent.

So far, he’s pleased with the school’s overall operation, and is taking his time to get to know all the players before he thinks about tweaking any departments or programs.

“There are a lot of good things going on here,” Vasas said.

One of the things he’s watching is the success of a new “hybrid block” schedule introduced this term. Students in grades 8 through 12 take math and English in both semesters, but with shorter classes each day.

The new schedule is part of overall changes instituted to improve students’ scores on standardized tests under federal No Child Left Behind mandates.

Vasas was diplomatic when asked his opinion on the federal initiative.

“I think any type of program that is initiated can have its positives and negatives,” Vasas said. “We are doing everything we can to help our students reach those standards. Overall, public education is doing a very good job.”

Community support is one of Forest Hills’ bragging points.

“There is a strong sense of community,” Vasas said. “The school and its functions are part of the community’s life. It serves as an asset.”