Bellefonte Area School District has its next superintendent. Here’s what to know
Bellefonte Area School District has hired a new superintendent, ending the monthslong search for Tammie Burnaford’s replacement.
Burnaford, who has been superintendent since 2020, announced in October that she would not be renewing her contract when it expires in June.
At Tuesday night’s meeting, the board approved Roy Rakszawski’s contract with the district starting July 15 through June 30, 2028. His contract includes an annual salary of $149,500 with a $3,000 increase each year starting July 1, 2025, according to the meeting agenda.
In a Facebook post from the district, Rakszawski said he was looking forward to joining the Bellefonte school community.
“My first impressions are that the District is a very special place that emphasizes collaboration and student-centered decisions. I look forward to getting to know everyone and working together,” Rakszawski said.
Rakszawski was one of three finalists introduced to the public at a March 20 meeting by DiRocco Consulting Company, which won a $19,000 bid to lead the search for a new superintendent. Other finalists included Kris Vancas, the district’s assistant superintendent, and Janilyn Elias, superintendent of Troy Area School District.
Rakszawski is superintendent of Edgewater Park School District, a K-8 school system in New Jersey consisting of an elementary and middle school. He has a background in administration and music education, working as a music teacher for 13 years before assuming principal roles in several New Jersey districts.
He was named the 2021 Burlington County Superintendent of the Year by the Burlington County Association of School Administrators.
In the district’s post, board president Jon Guizar thanked the staff, students and community members who helped participate in the superintendent search.
“The Board is looking forward to working with Dr. Rakszawski and appreciates the input from the various stakeholder groups that participated in the four month process,” Guizar said.
This story was originally published April 9, 2024 at 3:40 PM.