Hempfield Area school superintendent gets 5-year contract

Hempfield Area School Board members have renewed the contract of Superintendent Tammy Wolicki for another five years.

“I am blessed and honored to be given this opportunity,” Wolicki said during Monday’s school board meeting. “I look forward to the upcoming years. I know we have lots of great things occurring and I’m looking forward to working with the team.”

The contract renewal will begin July 1, 2022 with a salary of more than $181,000 for the 2022-23 school year. It is set to expire June 30, 2027.

Wolicki was first appointed as Hempfield’s superintendent in 2017. Wolicki said she is most proud of the work of teachers, administrators and staff in responding to the covid-19 pandemic when officials implemented virtual instruction for all students in spring 2020 and quickly developed an elementary cyber program for 450 students.

“While we look forward to the end of the pandemic, the changes that we were forced to make in a short period of time will continue to positively impact education,” she said.

Wolicki’s goals for the next five years include a continued focus on student achievement, which was largely disrupted during the pandemic.

A year-long feasibility study is also almost complete, which will provide options for district facilities, including the high school and Harrold Middle School, she said. Wolicki anticipates focusing time and effort into the process “to assure students have a safe and positive learning environment that meets the educational needs.”

In addition, Wolicki hopes to align school programming and opportunities that will support students in future careers.

“The school district plays a critical role in educating tomorrow’s workforce,” she said. “As the needs of our community and the workforce continue to change, we must align our programming and opportunities to support students in career pathways that prepare them with the skills for the high demand jobs of today and those that may not yet exist.”

School board members applauded Wolicki after the contract renewal passed.

“We’re very blessed to have you want to sign on for another five years,” said board President Tony Bompiani.