David Fischer starts October 6; Andrew Richards & Kevin Irvine began in August
NEWS RELEASE
October 6, 2025
Contact: Dennis Biviano, PR & Media Specialist, (330) 744-8451, ext. 320; dbiviano@youngstowndiocese.org
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – David Fischer has been named the new principal of Saint Paul School in Salem. Mr. Fischer has spent the past 30 years in education, including roles as a teacher, principal and superintendent. He spent the past 12 years as Superintendent of Sandy Valley Local Schools in Magnolia Ohio. The Ashland and Akron University graduate also spent time as a history teacher at GlenOak High School as well as principal at East Canton Junior & Senior High School. Fischer starts in the Diocese of Youngstown on October 6.
On the hiring, Superintendent Steven Jones, PhD., says “Mr. Fischer has a proven track record of visionary leadership, passion for advancing STEM education, financial expertise, and a deep commitment to advancing the success of St. Paul School. We are confident that under Mr. Fischer’s leadership, St. Paul School will continue to grow as a vibrant, safe, and engaging learning environment for all.”
Mr. Fischer says, “I’m so grateful to start this new chapter and walk with the children of St. Paul Salem as we build a strong, faith-filled foundation together!”
Also, Andrew Richards has been named the new principal of Saint Paul North Canton. Mr. Richards has spent the past decade in Catholic and public school administration, and education. He spent the past six years as Principal at Saint Columbkille School in Parma (Diocese of Cleveland). Prior to that he was an Assistant Principal at Saints Peter and Paul School in Doylestown.
Mr. Richards has a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education from Kent State University and a master’s degree in Sports Administration from the University of Cincinnati. He began working for the diocese in August.
On the hiring, Jones says “We are thrilled to welcome Andy Richards to the Diocese of Youngstown. The excitement he brings to Catholic education is palpable and I know he’s going to help St. Paul’s school to achieve even greater results.”
Mr. Richards says,” I’m incredibly honored and blessed to join the St. Paul School family as principal. I am excited to celebrate our rich traditions, nurture every child’s potential, and build a future that continues to ignite minds and learners. I am truly excited to grow, learn, and lead alongside this amazing community.”
And finally, Kevin Irvine has been named the new principal of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in Louisville. Mr. Irvine had previously worked at Aquinas, serving as a basketball coach. Irvine attended New Mexico State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Education. He has taught in New Mexico, Colorado, California and (Hudson) Ohio. He began working in the diocese in August.
Mr Irvine says, “The start of this journey has been met with incredible anticipation, energy, and optimism. Together, we are re-imagining what’s possible at St. Thomas Aquinas. I am deeply honored to lead this storied institution into its next great chapter — and I truly believe the best is yet to come.”
“On the hiring, Jones says, “From the first few minutes of the interview, Kevin’s enthusiasm for St. Thomas Aquinas school was very evident. He believes very strongly in the mission of this school, and wants that to be the bedrock for every experience the students have, from the classroom to the athletic fields and everything in between. He’s brought a renewed sense of excellence to help lead the great and committed faculty at St. Thomas Aquinas.”
