Connellsville Area Superintendent Martell retires
Connellsville Area School District Superintendent Phil Martell retired Friday from his position as district administrative head.
Board President Jay Fox III confirmed that Martell submitted a letter of retirement to the school board, which it subsequently accepted, effective immediately.
Fox said Martell left the district on good terms and without issue.
When reached for comment Saturday, Martell said he has opted to exit public education and explore career opportunities in the private sector.
Martell was hired as district business manager in April 2015 after spending nearly a decade in financial roles for three school districts in southwestern Pennsylvania. His hire came at a time when the district faced a $6 million deficit.
He was named acting superintendent in November of that year and full-time superintendent at the start of 2016, helping to improve the district’s financial standing and lead a number of initiatives to bring modern, technology-based programs to district schools.
He said he was proud of his work with the district.
“I leave the district to whomever the board decides to lead it in a much better place. That makes me feel good,” Martell said.
His retirement comes a month before four newly elected school directors are set to take their positions on the board, several of whom were critical of Martell during their campaigns.
Martell sent cease and desist letters to candidates Donald Grenaldo, David Martray and Mike Omatick last April, advising them to not to discuss him or his policies while on the campaign trail.
Grenaldo, Martray and Omatick — as well as David Panzella — have since been elected to the school board.
Martell said Saturday that the new board has the right to employ a superintendent that has a vision that is compatible with their own.
“I thought it may have been an issue down the line,” he said.
In the wake of Martell’s abrupt departure, Fox said the district is “moving forward with everyday business.” The board named David McDonald as interim superintendent, he said.
McDonald previously served under Martell as assistant to the superintendent.
In an email sent to district staff Friday afternoon that was obtained by the Herald-Standard, McDonald notified employees of Martell’s decision to retire.
“Mr. Martell has chosen to pursue opportunities in the private sector where he will be able to help other school districts accomplish many of the exciting things that have taken place within CASD over the last three years,” McDonald wrote in the email.
McDonald went on to write that he was humbled for the opportunity to lead the district.
“I will do my best to support you as we continue to work together to provide the best educational opportunities available for our students,” he wrote to staff members.