PERRYOPOLIS, PENNSYLVANIA — Frazier School District has named Nicholas Damico as its new director of special education and student services while also warning families about a time sensitive records deadline. The district says it will begin destroying special education files for students who graduated in 2016 or earlier starting July 1, 2026. That matters for former students who may need IEPs, evaluations, or service records for benefits, college accommodations, or later planning.
In a note posted by the district, Damico introduced himself and shared his contact information for families with questions. According to Frazier School District, he previously served six years as director of special education and student services at Connellsville Area School District. The district also notes he spent 14 years at California Area School District as a special education and lead support teacher. The district page places his start at the end of January 2025.
Records pickup before the July 1, 2026 destruction date
According to Frazier School District, the files slated for destruction include IEP materials, evaluations, and related service records tied to special education services. The district says anyone who wants copies can request them, but it requires paperwork first. Families are directed to complete a release form from the notice and then call the Special Education Department at 724-736-9507, extension 128, to trigger retrieval. The district says records are released after the paperwork is complete and the files are pulled.
Those day to day supports remain a visible part of school life for many families, especially as summer services approach. According to Frazier School District Board Meeting Minutes, the school board approved a 2026 Extended School Year schedule with sessions on June 16 and 18, June 30 and July 2, July 14 and 16, and Aug. 11 and 13. The minutes show the district budgeted one teacher and four paraprofessionals at contracted pay rates. The program will operate under Damico’s direction.
Student supports, Act 55 guidance, and training priorities
On the services side, Frazier’s student support messaging continues to emphasize instruction in the least restrictive environment and staff capacity building. According to Frazier School District Faculty & Staff Document, the district’s 2025-26 comprehensive plan requires trauma informed care training for all staff during the opening in service period. The document lists middle school principal Amanda Law and Damico as leads for that work. The plan frames the training as part of a broader student support strategy.
Families also continue to see shifting state guidance around age eligibility for services. According to Frazier School District, the district points to Act 55 provisions for students who were enrolled during the 2021-22 school year and turned 21 during or after that year. The district says those students could continue to attend during the 2022-23 school year with IDEA protections tied to their most recent IEP. According to Sweet, Stevens, Katz & Williams LLP, a Commonwealth Court ruling struck down a related Pennsylvania Department of Education directive in May 2024, and the state appealed, with the directive remaining in place while the appeal proceeds.
