Penn Hills High School principal Eric Kostic likes to remind seniors about an important life lesson: the message is to not burn bridges and be the best person you can be.

Or, as he puts it: “Don’t tease the alligator until you cross the river.”

It is something that does not always compute the first time you hear it.

“Graduation was the reference to getting across the river,” Kostic said. “I just always loved that saying. Don’t burn a bridge. Those types of things.

“I guess I’m old enough now though (to were) I will say something like that and the kids will be like, ‘What do you mean by that?’ They don’t understand. Saying those things is a lesson. It’s something to think about. … Don’t screw up until you’re done, and then don’t screw up after that either. Continue to be respectful.”

Those little phrases will be among the many things students and staffers will be missing from their head high school administrator.

Kostic, 56, of Latrobe, plans to call it a career at the end of the month after 12 years at Penn Hills and 34 years as an educator.

“The students, staff and Penn Hills community made it a really difficult decision,” Kostic said. “The endless hours to serve (as principal) also grew more difficult. I will greatly miss the (students) along with the people I’ve worked really closely with.”

Penn Hills career highlights include establishing a partnership with the National Math and Science Initiative to increase advance placement course accessibility for students, and expanding the district’s dual enrollment options so students could earn college credits while in high school.

The district had a dual enrollment plan with Community College of Allegheny County years ago. The program has since expanded as a result of partnerships with La Roche University, University of Pittsburgh and Seton Hill University.

He also helped lead the district through tumultuous pandemic years, which included a back and forth with virtual learning, ever-changing health and safety protocols, sporadic building closures and elimination of traditional graduation and musical performances among other challenges.

Fortunately, protocols were as close to pre-covid levels as possible this past school year. Graduation took place outside at at Yuhas-McGinley Stadium June 9.

Kostic hopes to have left a positive lasting legacy with the community.

“I’d like to be remembered as somebody who would do anything for anybody in our community to help them along their journey,” he said. “I’ve felt welcomed with open arms and that hasn’t changed.”

Superintendent Nancy Hines said Kostic was great to work with and has a knack for developing relationships with students.

“I’ve had the privilege of sitting next to Eric during every (high school) commencement since I returned to (the district) summer 2014,” Hines said. “Eric’s heart of gold has shone through every one of these ceremonies, as he has generally referred to every graduate by name over the years and usually had tears of joy streaming down his faced as he congratulated each.

“This year was especially moving, as many in the class of 2023 organized a special gift for Eric that they discreetly carried onto the stage and presented to him as they passed him. Many of this year’s graduates also stopped, hugged him and wished him well.”

Some students also did a social media tribute to their former principal.

Kostic said he plans to return to the district at least a few times in the next several years to see his last class of freshmen, sophomores and juniors eventually graduate.

Resume

Kostic grew up in Chalfant and graduated from Churchill High School in the Woodland Hills School District in 1985.

He said his goal at the time was to go to college and play football. A career path was not yet established.

Kostic would accomplish his goal at Mercyhurst College and earned a bachelor’s in mathematics. His love of knowledge grew and wanted to pass it on to youngsters.

“It was seeing that light bulb go off when students got something that was hard,” Kostic said of the inspiration. “I also loved the process and logic involved in math.”

He earned a master’s in administration and supervision from Bowie State University in Maryland and worked on a doctorate at the in education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Kostic worked as a teacher and administrator for 10 years in Charles County, Md. He also coached football, wrestling and track at the time, including seven years as head football coach at McDonough High School in Pomfret, Md.

He was a math teacher at Greater Latrobe School, served as assistant principal of North Hills Junior High School and was principal of Saltsburg Middle High School in Blairsville-Saltsburg School District prior to coming to Penn Hills in November 2011.

The next chapter

Kostic said he plans on spending more time with his family, playing golf and checking off things on his wife, Caryl’s, list.

“Those are the top three things,” he said. “The ‘Honey Do’ list is long. My job didn’t always afford me (time) to tend to things that need done in the house (and) go on vacation with my family.”

The couple have been married for 26 years. They have three children: Jessica, Kaylin and Abby.

He plans to eventually work for an education-related company in the private sector.

District officials have started the search for a new principal with the hope of having one hired before the upcoming school year.

Hines said the district will do its due diligence to find the best person to fill Kostic’s shoes.

“I can say from firsthand experience that being a high school principal is one of the most difficult jobs in any school district,” she said. “Student enrollment numbers are generally large, as are staff numbers. Beyond that, kids are very capable and creative, making it super tough to stay one step ahead. Eric has understood the need for tough love, which has contributed to the respect we all feel for him.”

It was unclear how many candidates were under consideration. The first day of school is Aug. 22.

Board president Erin Vecchio said Kostic will be very hard to replace.

“I wish Eric the best in his retirement,” Vecchio said via email. “He was a great principal. The kids loved him. I actually saw how much (he was loved) at graduation. The kids were crying that he was leaving. He always had time for the kids and the parents.”

Kostic’s final salary is $130,000.

District chief financial officer John Zahorchak said he earmarked $120,000 as a “placeholder” for the salary in the 2023-24 proposed budget due to uncertainty at the principal position.

Actual salary awarded is subject to change.

The board was expected to adopt next school year’s spending plan at its June 28 meeting, after this issue’s deadline.

The proposed 2023-24 budget contains no tax increase or cuts to programs and services.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)