Joseph P. Acri To Retire from PA Principals Association
January 4, 2013
The Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary School Principals (PA Principals Association) Board of Directors has announced the upcoming retirement of Joseph P. Acri as the assistant executive director, effective June 30, 2013. Mr. Acri has advocated for principals and public education in Harrisburg more than three decades — first as the senior consultant for management services for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association for 17 years, followed by his current position as assistant executive director of PA Principals Association.
Mr. Acri is a Viet Nam veteran who achieved the rank of sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. He then went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from the Pennsylvania State University in business administration, followed by his master’s degree in industrial/labor relations and personnel administration from St. Francis University.
In 1997, Mr. Acri was hired by PA Principals Association. During his tenure, he has worked diligently for association members, while forming effective liaisons with legislators in Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) leadership, the State Board of Education and other education associations.
He has been recognized for his professional achievements over the years with the most recent being the Pennsylvania Middle School Association Advocate for Public Education Award in 2011.
Following retirement, Mr. Acri plans to spend more time pursuing his hobby of restoring cars and traveling. He resides in Enola, Pa., with his wife, Rita, a teacher at East Pennsboro School District. They have two grown daughters, Joanna and Jeannine, who are both teachers.
Joseph P. Acri (left) was honored for his service to the association and his upcoming retirement at PA Principals Association’s annual banquet on October 21, 2012, held in conjunction with its state conference in Pittsburgh. Pictured with Mr. Acri is 2011-2012 PA Principals Association President Dr. Barry L. Purvis, principal of human resources at Chambersburg Area School District.