Bethel Park School District Announces Leadership Changes

The Bethel Park School District has announced several key administrative appointments for the 2025-26 school year, reflecting its commitment to strong leadership and continued educational excellence.

Mr. Joseph Villani has been named assistant superintendent for secondary education. Villani has served as principal of Bethel Park High School for the past five years, where he has been credited with driving academic growth, enriching student experiences, and building a positive school culture. In 2022, the high school was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.

Villani will oversee the district’s educational program for grades six through 12 in his new role. He joins Mrs. Mandi Figlioli, who continues as assistant superintendent for elementary education and is responsible for kindergarten through fifth grade.

Mrs. Racquel Sutton, who has spent the past three years leading Independence Middle School, will succeed Villani as principal of Bethel Park High School. Known for her student-centered approach and instructional leadership, Sutton has also overseen the $55 million IMS renovation project, which is slated for completion in August. She previously held administrative roles in the Southmoreland and Greensburg Salem school districts.

Mr. James Fodse, currently the assistant principal at the high school, has been appointed the principal of Independence Middle School. Fodse, a former special education teacher at the high school, is widely respected for his dedication to supporting all learners. His new role comes as IMS prepares to add sixth-grade students to the building beginning in 2026.

Looking ahead to the 2026-27 school year, Mrs. Lisa Miracle-Volpe has been selected as the inaugural principal of the new Bethel Park Elementary School, set to open that fall. Miracle-Volpe has led Neil Armstrong Middle School for the past year and a half and previously served as principal of Francis McClure Elementary School in the McKeesport Area School District.

“We are excited to recognize and promote these outstanding leaders from within our system,” said Superintendent Dr. James Walsh. “Each of these administrators brings a wealth of leadership experience, a deep understanding of our community, and a strong commitment to student success. With these leaders in place, we move closer to our quest to become a best-in-class district.”