Todd Lape

ADAMS TWP — Vacant principal positions are being filled in the Mars School District.

School officials said Monday that Todd Lape, who most recently served as principal at Mars Area Primary Center will take over that same role at the elementary school, effective at the beginning of the upcoming school year.

Lape served as principal at the Primary Center for three years, and previously was principal at the Centennial School from 2009-15. Before joining the Mars School District, he served as an elementary and middle school principal and fifth grade teacher at the Oil City Area School District.

Lape has a master’s degree in elementary mathematics and science and an elementary education certification from Slippery Rock University, a bachelor’s degree in communications from Pennsylvania State University and a principal’s certificate from Gannon University. 

“Mr. Lape is an experienced elementary principal and leader who is the perfect choice for this position at Mars Area Elementary School,” said Wes Shipley, superintendent. “In this position, he will be able to continue to work with the families and students that he has come to know and who are making the transition from first grade at Mars Area Primary Center to second grade at Mars Area Elementary School.”

Lape will take over for Robert Zaccari, who retired last month after 25 years with the district. Zaccari had served as principal at the school since 2004, when the Adams and Middlesex elementary schools were consolidated.

Lape’s move creates a vacancy at the Primary Center, which district officials said will remain vacant for the 2018-19 school year.

Elizabeth McMahon, assistant superintendent, will oversee daily operations at the school. She will work out of the school’s main office and serve as the primary contact for parents.

“Dr. McMahon is more than up to the task and will be a visible presence at Mars Area Primary Center throughout the school year,” Shipley said.

McMahon previously served as principal of Mars Area Primary Center from 2005-14 before moving to the position of assistant superintendent of elementary education until 2016, when she became assistant superintendent.

She holds a doctorate in educational leadership, master’s degrees in educational administration, special education and elementary education and a bachelor’s degree in communications, all from Duquesne University.