WAYNESBORO, Pa. — Chris Ritter, director of bands at Waynesboro Area Senior High School and Fairview Elementary School, has been named Teacher of the Year.
Ritter, an employee of Waynesboro Area School District for more than 10 years, was lauded for being an advocate for music as well as for his organizational and communication skills by Diane McCallum at the WASD Opening Day Celebration Aug. 12 at the high school. “He has built strong relationships with his students and helped them grow as young adults and helps them seek opportunities to perform outside the district,” added McCallum, assistant superintendent.
The program was highlighted by the introduction of new faculty and staff and an overview of the district’s First Choice priorities.
Superintendent Rita Sterner-Hine offered opening remarks after a slide presentation of summer activities of faculty and staff. New for the 2026-27 school year is that WASD has absorbed the Pre-K program formerly operated by First Start Partnerships, she noted.
She also introduced a number of local officials and community organization representatives as well as State Rep. Chad Reichard (R-Franklin), a graduate of Waynesboro High. Reichard thanked teachers and staff for having an impact on students and “providing new opportunities for them to learn and reinvent themselves. Thank you for being role models and an inspiration.”
A moment of silence was observed for the late Kim Saunders, high school volleyball coach, who died July 27. The opening prayer was offered by Mother Ginger Bennett, priest of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Waynesboro.
Megan McGuire, director of First Choice, provided an overview of the program, which she said aligns with the district’s comprehensive plan. “Through First Choice Pillars of Academics, Careers, Innovative Learning and Whole Child, the Waynesboro Area School District will graduate responsible citizens prepared to work, serve, succeed and compete in an evolving society.”
Eric Holtzman, business administrator, announced district updates, including that more than 34,000 summer meals, an increase of 7,000 from 2025, were provided. He also said stadium lights were replaced with LED, “both improving the amount of light and reducing energy.”
He added that the Waynesboro Area Middle School gym project is on track to be completed by the end of November. The accessibility project for bathrooms in all four elementary schools will be mostly completed before students return Aug. 19. Holtzman said elevator work at Hooverville and Summitview elementary schools will continue through December.
A number of WASD technology upgrades to enhance technology access for teachers and learners also have been implemented, according to Nicholas Erickson, director of technology.
Sterner-Hine announced a collective bargaining agreement with employees for the next four years has been reached and approved by the school board in June. She also said $5 million in tuition of the district’s budget is allocated to outside cyber/charter schools. “Let’s try to retain students or bring them back. WASD has its own cyber program for kindergarten through grade 12 regular and special education students called Lincoln Edge.”
Teacher Sara Breed was thanked for her leadership role in a recent golf tournament that benefited Waynesboro Area Business, Education, and Community (WABEC) Foundation, which has awarded grants to: Shonelle Strausbaugh, fitness drumming; Daniel Shaffer, WASHS Youth Court; Heather Shank, Fairview News Cast team; Trish Morris, community arts mural; Stefanie Kilcullen, Rooted in Science: A Year of Classroom Hydroponics; Tyler Raubenstine – Ukulele jam lab; and Stacy Henderson – WASHS annual Veterans Day ceremony.
