Armstrong School District administrator stepping down in August

Armstrong School District Administrator Stan Chapp is stepping down when his contract expires in August.

Chapp, 57, would not say what his plans are after he leaves.

“It is important to have some flexibility with future plans, both from a personal and professional perspective,” Chapp said. “I am very proud to have been part of some of the incredible changes here over the last several years.”

During his tenure, Chapp said he helped administrators bring in more advanced placement courses, establish tutoring opportunities for students and start an SAT prep course for high school students.

But Chapp said the most significant change was the consolidation of students into Armstrong Junior-Senior High School, which will open in Manor this fall.

Chapp came to the district from Freeport in 2010. School officials said they would immediately start searching for his replacement and want to hire someone by June. The first step will be advertising in several education trade journals and state publications.

“A superintendent has as much influence as most elected officials, if not more, so we can't take this search lightly,” school board member Paul Lobby said. “We need to get started now since the process will take a while.”

Lobby praised Chapp for meeting challenges — like cuts in state funding and the consolidation of schools — during his tenure.

“He had a lot on his plate,” Lobby said. “I was really impressed how he always met each challenge. He always rose to the occasion.”

Brad Pedersen is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-543-1303, ext. 1337, or bpedersen@tribweb.com.