Dan Hawkins To Serve As Interim President At Elk County Catholic School System

Elk County Catholic School System has announced that Mr. Dan Hawkins has

agreed to serve as interim president while the ECCSS Board of Directors seeks a

permanent replacement for outgoing president Sam MacDonald.

"Dan is an ECC alum and an experienced educational leader," said ECC Board

Chairman Rob Wortman. "He will be a steady hand for our students, staff and

families as we transition to new leadership."

Hawkins' career in education spans nearly four decades, including many years

as a teacher and director of special education. He spent the last nine years of

his career as superintendent of the Brockway Area School District.

"This is a homecoming for me," Hawkins said. "As a St. Marys native and a

practicing Catholic, I have always had a great deal of respect for the work

being done at Elk County Catholic. I received a great education here, and I

am excited to help maintain and build on that tradition."

Outgoing ECCSS president Sam MacDonald said Hawkins will serve as an

excellent bridge to new leadership.

"Dan has a great reputation as an educator in our region and across the state,"

MacDonald said. "I have been working closely with him to make sure that we

hand things off efficiently and effectively. His experience and his deep

knowledge of the local Catholic community will be real assets for our students,

faculty and staff."

Incoming ECCSS Board Chairman Dan Wortman indicated that a search

committee is already working to seek permanent candidates for the president

position.

"Our schools remain on strong financial footing," Wortman said. "Our academic

programs and our activities are excellent. We are confident that Dan will do a

great job of maintaining our high standards while our committee moves

forward with our search."