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(Harrisburg, Pa.)—Joseph J. Foriska, retired principal of Thaddeus Stevens Elementary School in the Pittsburgh School District, has recently been hired as Western Region Office Manager of the Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals (PAESSP), headquartered in Summerdale, Pa.

PAESSP’s membership of approximately 4,000, is comprised of elementary, middle level and secondary school principals, assistant principals and supervisors and is affiliated with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Foriska took over the association’s Western Region Office Manager duties after being approved by the PAESSP’s board of directors at its annual retreat on Monday, July 14, 2008 in State College.

Foriska replaces Vince Carr, who held the Western Office Manger position for 11 years.

Foriska has served as principal at five schools for the previous 18 years. He retired from Thaddeus Stevens Elementary School in June. In his new position, Foriska will act as a liaison between administrator in western Pennsylvania and PAESSP’s Harrisburg office. One of his primary duties will be advising members on issues related to employment rights and/or Act 93 activities.

“All of us know Joe’s integrity and passion for PAESSP,” said Michael Allison, PAESSP president. “He will be a welcomed addition to the organization’s staff.”

Among his many posts as a 16-year member of the PAESSP, Foriska has served as the association’s president and as president of the Pennsylvania Association of Elementary School Principals.

Foriska will receive PAESSP’s 2008 Joseph Mamana Award for Meritorious Service at the state conference, which is Oct. 19-21 at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel in Pittsburgh. The award is given to a member in good standing who has performed meritorious service to the association and has made significant contributions to the professional advancement of principals.

“It is my honor and privilege to continue the high standard of service that Mr. Carr brought on behalf of the PAESSP as our first Western Office Manager,” Foriska said.

Foriska earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Edinboro University and a master’s in education from California University of Pennsylvania.

PAESSP’s Mission: The Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals is dedicated to assuring that every Pennsylvania child receives the very best education possible. In carrying out this mission, the association recognizes that the early elementary years are most crucial to successful lifelong learning, that appropriate middle level programs are essential for successful adolescent maturation and development and that strong high school programs are critical for preparing youth for successful entry and transition into adulthood.

PAESSP recognizes an obligation to make continuing contributions toward strengthening the principalship and the profession. The association is committed to providing critical professional growth opportunities through training programs, opportunities for constructive professional mentoring and relationships, publications, conferences and professional meetings and activities aimed at helping aspiring principals in reaching their goals and practicing principals to hone their skills.