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WINGATE -- James E. Orichosky, Director of Elementary Education for Bald Eagle Area School District in Wingate, and Principal of Wingate and Mountaintop Elementary schools, is the 2024-2026 President of the Pennsylvania Principals Association.
The Pennsylvania Principals Association is the only professional organization in Pennsylvania dedicated to the support and well-being of school administrators with a special emphasis on elementary, middle and high school principals. Orichosky has been a member of the association for 22 years. His two-year term as president began on Aug. 64, following the PA Principals Association's annual PA SUMMIT24 for Educational Leaders in Cranberry Township, Pa.
Orichosky started his education career in the Bald Eagle Area School District, first as an elementary school teacher from 1993-2003 and then as head teacher from 1996-2003.
Since 2003, he has served as principal of Wingate Elementary, and in 2023, he also became principal of Mountaintop Elementary.
He began serving as the Bald Eagle Area School District's director of elementary education in 2013. Additionally, he has worked as a student teaching supervisor since 2019 for Walden University.
"Mr. Orichosky's positive relationships with students, parents and faculty members have been an asset to the school district in his service as a teacher and principal. It comes as no surprise that his peers across the state have elected him to serve as President of the PA Principals Association," Christopher R. Santini, superintendent for the Bald Eagle Area School District, said. "This honor is a testament to the leadership qualities that Mr. Orichosky demonstrates on a daily basis. We are proud to have Mr. Orichosky represent the Bald Eagle Area School District in his new role as President of the PA Principals Association."
Orichosky most recently held the position of PA Principals Association President-Elect. He served on the PA Principals Association Board of Directors as the Central I Elementary State Director from 2012-2023.
Over the years, he held various positions at the state and national levels including federal relations coordinator on the PA Principals Association Board of Directors (2020-2022); co-chairperson for the 2016 and 2017 state conferences; member of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Resolutions Committee (2018-2021); vice president of the NAESP Nominating Committee (2021); Central Intermediate Unit 10 conference speaker; and PA delegate who met with state legislators in 2023; and PA delegate who met with federal legislators in 2024 (as part of the National Leaders' Conference hosted by NAESP and the National Association of Secondary School Principals).
According to Dr. Eric C. Eshbach, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Principals Association, "Jim Orichosky has displayed outstanding leadership ability at the local level as principal of Wingate Elementary School, as president-elect and as a state director for our association for many years. I am excited to have Jim at the helm of the Pennsylvania Principals Association and confident that he will continue to advance our association through providing exceptional programs and services to our members."
Orichosky earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Saint Francis University; his principal certification from Indiana University of Pennsylvania; a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Clarion University of Pennsylvania; and his Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility from California University of Pennsylvania.
"The principal is the glue that holds our schools together, so it is a distinct honor to serve as the President of the Pennsylvania Principals Association. Our association has become the premier organization for principal professional development for our great commonwealth. As president, I'll work to support the continued growth of our professional development offerings. Also, as our regional boards expand, we'll focus on creating spaces where principals may convene to exchange ideas and work through issues in a nurturing setting. As an organization, we will continue to work on many projects with our elected officials. I see the top priorities as universal meals for all students, universal pre-K across Pennsylvania and initiatives for teacher growth at the college level, which of course, will support growing the principalship in the future. I am excited for this new opportunity and look forward to serving in this role for the next two years," Orichosky shared.
Orichosky and his wife, Barbara, have been married for 30 years and reside in Morrisdale, Pa. They have two children, John, 27, and recently married Sarah Anderson, 25.
As president of a local bass fishing club, he enjoys spending his free time on the water catching bass. In addition, he likes to read, go on walks, and, of course, live the "cruise life" with his wife.