Perrone resigns as Greater Nanticoke Area Superintendent

Jan. 29--After more than four decades with the district, including being credited with helping avoid imminent bankruptcy at one point, and 11 years staying on the job without pay, Tony Perrone resigned as Greater Nanticoke Area Superintendent Tuesday evening.

Contacted at home this morning, Perrone declined comment other than to say he has had health problems and that was one reason for the retirement.

Board President Ryan Verazin said the board had been notified Tuesday evening by the solicitor about Perrone's resignation due to health reasons. Verazin said an executive session was held and Elementary principal Maryellen Scott was appointed acting superintendent.

Perrone began working with the district in 1966 as a high school teacher. He later became school district psychologist, and in 1973 was named supervisor of pupil services.

When D. Charles Davis retired as superintendent, The board tapped Perrone as acting superintendent until a replacement was named. That gig lasted 18 months, until February, 1993, when the board gave the job to Anthony Trosan, an administrator in a school district near Johnstown at the time.

In late 1995 tension bubbled between Trosan and the board, with the state of school buildings causing the most sparks. The board publicly blamed Trosan for not telling them about a letter from the district architects citing safety concerns at the middle school, which was subsequently closed. In February 1996 the board voted to oust Trosan four months before his three-year contract expired, agreeing to pay him through June of that year. Perrone was again appointed acting superintendent.

The board voted to remove the "acting" from the title in June 19, making Perrone district superintendent. He has been in the position ever since, though he officially retired 11 years ago. Perrone agreed to stay on the job without pay, though the district does provide health insurance coverage.

In recent years Perrone increasingly talked of retiring for good, but the board kept convincing him to stay on. Last December they gave him another three year contract.

Verazin said the board will launch a search for a new superintendent, but that details have not been worked out. "We're in uncharted waters for this district," Verazin said.

Verazin praised Perrone's time with the district. "He's probably the best leader the district has had. I wish him nothing but the best and I'm glad he is finally making time for himself."

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