WAYNESBORO- The Waynesboro Area School District (WASD) honored its School Board Directors during an appreciation month in January. As part of a statewide celebration, the district hosted several events to show gratitude for the nine Board members who shape policy and help guide WASD toward a prosperous future.
WASD Superintendent Dr. Rita Sterner-Hine commented on the January festivities and also spoke about how the school district’s leadership and faculty will partner with the School Board during 2024 and beyond to improve the education environment for area students.
Superintendent Sterner-Hine said she and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Todd Dishong were fortunate to work with a group of dedicated School Board Directors who value public education and are committed to provide the very best for learners. “Serving as a Director is a time consuming role that requires exceptional communication skills, the ability to collaborate, the ability to be an active listener, and requires passion to serve the school community,” Sterner-Hine said.
During January, WASD hosted a school cafeteria dinner for School Board Directors and their spouses. Entertainment was provided by the Brave Bravos from WAMS under the direction of Mrs. Tina Schaubroeck, music and choral teacher. The feted Board members also received learner artwork and poetry.
An evening retreat was also held on January 30, attended by Sterner-Hine, Dishong, and the nine School Board Directors: Mark Smith (President), James Marvin (Vice President), Linda Zimmerman (Secretary), Kimberly Miles (Asst. Secretary), Patricia Strite (Treasurer), Lloyd Hamberger, Wendy Royer, Rachel Fortney, and Clint Pentz.
The workshop, part of Pennsylvania School Board Association training, was titled: “Dive into Roles and Responsibilities” and focused on identifying differences between governing and managing a school district, strategic focus for School Boards, and improving public interactions, among other topics.
When talking about how she collaborates with the School Board, Sterner-Hine said she meets with the full board twice a month and with smaller committee groups monthly. Board members normally serve on WASD standing committees such as Budget, Facilities, Policy, and Academic. Board Directors also serve on outside committees based on their individual interests and expertise. In addition, the School Board Directors serve on the Franklin County Career Tech Committee Board, The Franklin Learning Center Committee Board, and the Lincoln Intermediate Board.
“Our Board reflects a talented cross-section of abilities and expertise in a variety of areas. They represent occupations that include business, education, public administration, medical services, and emergency management services. We also have board members with children and grandchildren who attend WASD schools. Some are Waynesboro natives, and others moved to Waynesboro as adults,” Superintendent Sterner-Hine said.
Looking ahead to the challenges for completing the 2023-24 school year, Sterner-Hine said that they are now entering the budget process. “It is a delicate balance to budget the needs of all our learners and staff with the increasing costs of healthcare, cyber/charter costs, and special learner services.” As far as other challenges, the Superintendent said the district is still experiencing post COVID issues relating to learning loss and an increased number of mental health needs among students.
To help solve these issues, Superintendent Sterner-Hine says she communicates daily with School Board members. On a weekly basis, the Clayton administrative team provides a Friday Folder Update to all Directors so they’re kept informed about local, state, and national education related issues. “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work has been the WASD motto for several years and we know it takes a collective group working together in all areas to make WASD a great place to work and learn,” Sterner-Hine said, when describing the School Board partnership and WASD’s leadership philosophy.
For the upcoming 2024-25 school year and beyond, WASD has adopted a plan called “First Choice Initiative”. This program pursues the “Who, What, Why, and How” of a quality education and the corresponding goals needed to attain it. The “Who” is the Whole Child with a focus on the classroom and recognizing the unique strengths and challenges for each learner. The “What” is Academics, a curriculum that provides knowledge and promotes critical thinking. “Why” focuses on Careers, and prepares students for college, military service, or other career opportunities. Finally, the “How” is Innovative Learning; which provides instruction to engage and empower learners in the classroom and beyond. For each of these categories, the school district has specific goals for the 2034-24 and 2024-25 school years, and into the future.
When asked how parents can become more involved in their children’s education, Superintendent Sterner-Hine responded: “If you are a parent or grandparent, get involved on the school level. The best place to start is to reach out to teachers to determine how you can support the education process. WASD is also seeking volunteers to serve as mentors and we also have several part-time support positions available.”
The Board of School Directors meet the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 7 PM. Meeting are held in the Board Room at 210 Clayton Avenue, Waynesboro, unless otherwise noted. The next scheduled meetings, open to the public, are February 13, and February 27, 2024. To follow the school district’s progress online: www.wasd.k12.pa.us. Board meeting agendas and minutes/videos of past meetings can be found on that website.
With a thriving partnerships that include School Board Directors, administration, faculty, and students, WASD’s leadership moves forward in 2024 with continued teamwork to attain lofty education goals.
