Slippery Rock Area School District announced the hiring of a new principal for Moraine Elementary School.

Shawn Zappia, of Hermitage, was approved by the board of directors to be the school’s next principal at its Monday, April 28, meeting.

Zappia is currently the dean of students at Wilmington Area Junior/Senior High School in Lawrence County.

“Shawn’s training and experience with a wide range of student abilities was impressive as we worked through our selection process. Shawn has worked with a multitude of students of various ages and backgrounds. He is bringing many strengths to our district but also shows a strong willingness to grow as a school administrator which makes him a great fit for our current staff,” superintendent Alfonso Angelucci said in a news release.

Zappia previously served as Wilmington’s cyber education coordinator. His background includes teaching and working in special education in Youngstown, Ohio, as well as North Carolina.

“What excites me the most about being the new principal at Moraine Elementary is the profound commitment to family and community that already exists,” Zappia said in the release. “I believe that it is essential to build on the connections between students, families and other relevant stakeholders.”