Leadership changes made for Bethel Park’s 2025-26 school year

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

April 16, 2025

Mr. Fodse will transition to assistant superintendent for secondary education, Mrs. Racquel Sutton will take over as principal of BPHS, and Mr. James Fodse will assume the head principal position at Independence Middle School beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. Photo credit: Mr. James Cromie

The Bethel Park School District recently revealed a series of important leadership appointments that will take effect in the upcoming 2025-26 school year.

These personnel changes reflect the district’s commitment to creating strong educational leadership and ensuring a smooth transition as it prepares for future growth.

Among the most significant moves is the appointment of Joseph Villani, the current BPHS principal, will be joining Mandi Figlioli as the new assistant superintendent for secondary education.

Villani’s experience and hands-on approach have made him a beloved figure at BPHS, where he has been instrumental in guiding students and staff alike.

Racquel Sutton, who currently serves as the principal of Independence Middle School, will take over as the principal of BPHS, succeeding Villani.

Sutton has built a reputation for her strong leadership style and commitment to student achievement, making her a fitting choice to lead BPHS as it navigates the challenges of an often-changing educational environment.

Moving into Sutton’s former position at Independence Middle School is James Fodse, the current assistant principal at BPHS.

His promotion to principal comes at a critical time as the school prepares to expand and add sixth grade in 2026.

Looking ahead, the Bethel Park School District is also preparing for the future with the appointment of Lisa Miracle-Volpe as the inaugural principal of the new Bethel Park Elementary School, set to open in the 2026-27 school year.

Miracle-Volpe, currently the principal of Neil Armstrong Middle School, has a proven track record of succeeding in roles of leadership.

Her transition to elementary education will be crucial in establishing the vision and goals for this new institution.

As the Bethel Park School District embraces these significant changes, the administration remains committed to providing a high-quality education that allows students to thrive.

With an experienced leadership team in place, the district will continue to follow its motto of Here, We Grow! focused on the future, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to achieve their fullest potential.

Bethel Park

About the Contributor

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

And that’s another Bethel Park Black Hawks win for the boys soccer team. Whether Patrick is on the soccer field or behind the keyboard, he’s always aiming to make an impact—one play and one story at a time. This year, Patrick Romito, an 11th grader, joins Scholastic Publications for the first time. When asked why he decided to sign up, Patrick said, “I took the class to get more involved in school activities.” With a clear passion for making the most of his high school experience, Patrick is eager to contribute to the class by writing articles for the Hawk Eye newspaper. He’s ready to take on whatever stories come his way, whether spotlight features, sports, or school news. Patrick is not just a writer; he’s also an accomplished athlete. With 12 years of soccer experience under his belt and as a three-year DECA member, he balances both extracurriculars and academics with ease. As someone who enjoys variety, he’s equally open to different kinds of stories, saying, “I enjoy writing in general, so whether it’s spotlights, sports, or school news-related content, it doesn’t matter to me.” Looking ahead, Patrick’s plans after high school include studying marketing and advertising, although he’s still deciding on a specific college. In the meantime, his favorite class is Law & You with Mr. Vic. He appreciates how the course prepares him for life after high school, and he enjoys Mr. Vic’s real-life stories that make each lesson engaging. Reflecting on his time in high school, Patrick recalls the excitement of attending football games as a freshman, where he formed friendships that have lasted throughout his high school years. “I really enjoyed going to the football games freshman year because I ended up making a lot of friends there, a lot of which I’m still friends with today,” he said. Outside of school, Patrick has worked as a lifeguard at Highpoint Fitness for almost two years, a job that highlights his dedication and work ethic. When he’s not working or playing soccer, he enjoys comedy movies, with Step Brothers being his top pick. And what’s his dream vacation? Patrick hopes to one day visit Italy. “My dream vacation is Italy because first, it is very beautiful there, as well as my family roots going back to there,” he shared. In just three words, Patrick describes himself as calm, caring, and hardworking — qualities that are sure to serve him well both in and out of the classroom. Keep an eye out for Patrick’s contributions to Hawk Eye this year as he dives into the world of scholastic publications! Written by: Grace Ferency, Staff Writer