Mr. Rick Rossi was officially hired as New Castle Area School District’s new superintendent in August, for the 2022-2023 school year. He will have this current contract for the entire school year. So far he is enjoying his time in our district and is enjoying meeting new students. Mr. Rossi was able to stop by our class for a brief interview. I hope you enjoy getting to know Mr. Rossi as much as I did. Enjoy the interview! 

1. Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and raised in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. 

2. Where did you go to college? 

I went to college at The Chicago Conservatory of Music and the University of Chicago. 

3. What degrees do you hold? 

I have a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, a Master’s degree in middle school education, and an advanced degree for Superintendent in schools

4. Why did you choose the New Castle Area School District for employment? 

Well, the board chose me as superintendent because they classified me as an outsider. As an outsider, I can see what things should and need to be changed about the school district. I can use my opinion for the most important topics needed in the district. 

5. What motivated you to be a superintendent?

I was a band director for 18 years and I really wanted to be a building principal.  A building principal is someone who is responsible for developing and maintaining annual inventories of equipment and materials located in the building. That really interested me and I went for it! 

6. What do you love most about education? 

I really enjoy being around young students. I love their energy and hearing new ideas from them. 

7. What are your two main focuses for the district and schools?

I want to improve the educational atmosphere and the academic scores. We are working on this every day as a district. 

8. What do you like to do in your free time?

My wife and I like to travel the country mostly on our motorcycle, we enjoy traveling through the Ohio-Pennsylvania areas, and we also like to go camping. I also play in a Bluegrass Band in New York City. 

9. Do you have any pets?

Yes, a Cavalier King Charles dog, named Mosley.

10. Name the 5 best restaurants you have eaten at in New Castle. 

 1. Mangino’s 

 2. Mary’s 

 3. Soni’s

 4. Edwards 

5. Cedars

Thank you for your time Mr. Rossi and thank you Canes, for reading! You will find Mr. Rossi constantly throughout the schools. If you happen to see him, stop and say hi!