Shawn Zappia

Shawn Zappia, the man who was originally hired to be principal of Moraine Elementary School, has been reassigned to an entirely new role for the district.

Slippery Rock Area School Board voted unanimously at a meeting Monday, Sept. 8, to create the role of “K-12 Principal of Special Services” and voted 8-1 to reassign Zappia to the role. Board member Vito Pilosi was the sole vote against.

“Shawn Zappia will be another point of contact for our students, staff and families — with particular attention given to those students with special needs or challenges in our schools,” superintendent Alfonso Angelucci said about Zappia’s new role. “He will work closely with our director of special services, Mrs. Jessica Parker.”

Zappia was originally hired in April 2025 to fill the role of the previously-terminated principal of Moraine Elementary, Kristie Shulsky. His position for the new school year came into question after the Pennsylvania Department of Education ordered Shulsky be reinstated to the role.

According to Angelucci, the district had not considered the role when it was creating the 2025-26 budget, but that Zappia’s salary has remained unchanged since his hiring.

“In just six months time, Shawn Zappia has already proven to be an outstanding member of our administrative team,” Angelucci said. “We are proud of him and feel his traits as a caring, communicative educator could serve our students well in any principal role in our school district.”