The Pioneer Board of Education gave permanent status to two acting principals at its April 16 regular meeting.
Richard Spinelli (Pioneer Middle School) and Joseph Cappadonia (Pioneer High School) are both former assistant principals who have been acting principals since 2023. They were approved for permanent status starting immediately.
Mr. Spinelli started at the middle school as assistant principal on Jan. 3, 2023.
He began his career in education as a teacher aide in 2006, later becoming a teacher and behavioral specialist before becoming an assistant principal at the Stanley G. Falk School in 2019.
When he is not at work, Mr. Spinelli enjoys music, traveling, fishing, dancing, playing sports, playing chess, and all things Disney. He lives in West Seneca with his wife Andrea, son Jordan, and daughter Scarlett.
Mr. Cappadonia was appointed as an assistant high school principal on Dec. 19, 2022. He became acting principal with the departure of Katelyn Welker in Summer 2023.
Prior to joining Pioneer, Mr. Cappadonia worked in Virginia at Stafford County Public Schools as an Assistant Principal for five years and then Alexandria City Public Schools as an Assistant Principal for four years. In total, he has 23 years of experience as an educator in all settings, including classroom experience in Health and Physical Education, and in athletics as a coach.