From the Superintendent's Desk
e-Blasts
Dear SDST Community,
Today Dr. Chuck Rittenhouse, STHS Principal, announced his intention to retire from public education on June 30, 2026 after 13 years of service to the district and 33 years as an educator and school leader. Dr. Rittenhouse is an exemplary member of our community, and we look forward to celebrating him and this important milestone in his life later this year.
While we are happy for Dr. Rittenhouse, he will leave big shoes to fill. Through his caring and compassionate, student-centered leadership, Dr. Ritt has created a school climate and culture that is welcoming and affirming for each and every student. He has also been a thoughtful and supportive colleague, and is widely praised for his dedication, visibility at every school event, and genuine nature with everyone he meets.
It will be essential for us to identify a candidate for the next STHS Principal who reflects these same qualities. We will seek a candidate who is able to lead the high school community as an educational leader who cares deeply about our values as a school district, and can continue to build upon the current successes experienced at our high school.
The search process will begin immediately for the next STHS Principal. To support this process, please complete the survey below that most closely aligns to your role in the district. The results of the surveys will be reviewed and considered in the selection process. Surveys will be open until Friday, January 30, 2026. Our goal is to bring a candidate forward to the Board of School Directors for their approval in April, in order to allow the successful candidate to begin their tenure with the district this summer.
Dr. Rittenhouse will continue to lead the high school throughout the spring semester, and all expected transitional activities (scheduling for 2026-2027, spring celebrations, student orientation, etc.) will occur as usual.
Thank you,
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent
STHS Principal Surveys
- Current STHS Student (currently enrolled in grades 9-12)
- Community Member (parent or community leader not employed by SDST)
- STHS Staff Member (current high school employee)
- SDST District Staff Member (current district employee not working at the high school)
Dear SDST Community,
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to thank our Springfield community for your support of our schools. Please enjoy my November district newsletter!
Sincerely,
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Good morning, STMS Staff, Students and Families.
I want to share an update with all of you regarding some work scheduled to begin on Friday afternoon, November 21st at the Middle School.
As you may recall, during excavation of an electrical conduit line in mid-September, contractors uncovered and hit an unidentified gas line that runs under the new parking lot. This resulted in the evacuation of students and staff until PECO could properly identify and secure the line. We are now ready to fully repair the electrical conduit, which will restore the lights on the lower parking lot.
Following early dismissal at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21st, Bracy Construction will begin to excavate the ground at the base of the new lot. Once they have completed their excavation, Electri-Tech technicians will repair the electrical conduit to restore lighting to the lower lot. They will then close the excavation area and remove barrier fencing. Throughout this process, CHA Construction Management will be on site to supervise.
During this excavation, no students or staff will be permitted on site at the middle school or the administration building. Staff will relocate for parent conferences on Friday afternoon to the high school. The work will continue on Saturday and Sunday, if needed. If the repair and restoration is not complete on Sunday, the contractors will pause their work until Wednesday, November 26th, allowing school and conferences to take place at the middle school on Monday and Tuesday next week. No students or staff are expected to be on campus on Wednesday, November 26th.
These measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the SDST community. We thank you for your ongoing patience and flexibility as we continue through this transformational project for our middle school campus.
Please direct any questions regarding expectations for campus access to Dr. Mangano or me. We will do our best to answer you promptly.
Sincerely,
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Dear STMS Students, Families, and Staff,
This email is a follow up to yesterday’s notice regarding unpleasant odors in the middle school related to the tarring of the roof. The operations and administrative teams have continued to monitor conditions, which are significantly improved today. In addition, we have received the results of the independent air quality testing conducted yesterday, which states that all measurements are within typical levels.
Dr. Mangano addressed the students and staff today over the public address system to reinforce the importance of working together to minimize odors in the building by keeping hallway and classroom doors closed. We also continue to use ionization units and fans where needed, and adjust the building’s ventilation to reduce outside air from the work zones.
Despite these efforts, we realize that some students and staff may be more sensitive to various odors. Anyone experiencing any negative effects of the odor of the roof tarring is asked to see either our school nurse or a building administrator to report the concern.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please reach out to Dr. Mangano or me directly. Thank you.
Sincerely,
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Dear STMS Students, Families, and Staff,
I’d like to share a brief update on the middle school construction project. The new main entrance and auditorium roof tarring have been completed. This week, roofing work is continuing in the areas over two hallways near the auditorium — one by the gymnasium and the other behind the new health classroom and fitness center.
During roof tarring, some odors may be noticeable inside or around the building depending on wind direction and location. While these odors can be unpleasant, they are non-toxic and not harmful. We continue to work with an independent air quality specialist who conducts regular testing. He was on-site today, and we expect updated results tomorrow. All previous tests have confirmed safe air quality throughout this process.
To minimize odors, we have closed hallway and classroom doors, placed ionization units and fans where needed, and adjusted the building’s ventilation to reduce outside air from the work zones.
Earlier today, a brief odor was also detected while steel beams were being painted with a safe, non-toxic coating. That work is nearly finished.
We recognize that on-site construction can be disruptive, and we truly appreciate the patience and support of our students, staff, and families. Completing this roofing work before winter is an important step toward finishing interior construction safely and on schedule.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Dr. Mangano or me directly. Our operations and administrative teams remain on-site and will continue to monitor conditions closely.
Thank you for your continued cooperation and understanding.
Sincerely,
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Dear SDST Community,
Please enjoy my October District Newsletter.
Have a terrific day!
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Dear SDST Community,
Please enjoy reading this month's District Newsletter.
Sincerely,
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent