Published: July 02, 2006 11:38 pm      

New chapter at Windber schools

WINDBER — The Windber Area School District will lose nearly 50 years of experience when two well-known administrators retire before next school year.

Virgil Palumbo, who has held a number of administrative positions – most recently acting-superintendent, recalled arriving at a school needing an overhaul of its athletic facilities and even its approach to education.

“I look at where we were at when I came here and where we are now,” Palumbo said. “We’re in a better place today than 25 years ago.”

Now, the districts test scores are in the top 3 percent of the state.

“We have new courses that are more advanced,” he said. “Kids are experiencing success.”

Danny Kimmel has been a middle school principal and most recently an elementary administrator. Kimmel said he had a special bond with students.

“That was very special for me to be able to see growth from (students at) 4 years old to 17 or 18.” Kimmel said.

“There aren’t a whole lot of people that can have that experience.”

Both administrators said they have been able to train and mentor their successors.

“This is a very unique institution,” Palumbo said.

“There are big schools with small ideas. But we are a small school with big ideas.”

Kimmel said mentoring will allow for a seamless transition for students.

“The board has always tried to do what’s best for the students,” he said

Glenn Gaye, high school principal, said board members had long-term stability in mind when they implemented the administrative mentoring program.

During the 2006-07 school year, Gaye plans to maintain current programs, expand technology and vocational programs and utilize staff in the most efficient manor.

“That will enhance the already-solid curriculum,” he said.

Doug Ledney, the new elementary principal, said constant communication among administrators helped him learn.

“You can never replace experience,” he said. “Every day teaches you something.”

Ledney said the pre-kindergarten program has nearly 80 students this year and the elementary school will kick off a new wellness program.

Arnie Nadonley, director of education, said that is in part because Palumbo is full of Windber pride.

“The pride is just immense here,” he said.

“They have done things that are so special and it works for the district.”

Local businesses – such as Windber Medical Center and the Windber Research Institute – parents and residents are involved with the school, Palumbo said.

Rick Huffman, the district’s new schools superintendent, said the first thing he noticed about Palumbo and Kimmel was their passion and pride.

“At times when people are at the end of their career they are looking for the next step,” he said.

“What you see here is quality administrators who probably will be (remembered)among Pennsylvania’s best administrators.”

The school district’s next board meeting will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday.