South Western School District

A Tradition of Excellence

Well we are off and running here in South Western! As you can imagine the last 2 months have been a whirlwind for me and the staff. The start of every school year is a time of anticipation for a wonderful school year and excitement to meet new friends. I have seen both of these first hand as I have visited each school multiple times over these past few months. It is one of my favorite things to do, visit classrooms and witness the outstanding opportunities for our students.

While I have been impressed by many different moments here in South Western; I think some of the most impressive moments were in classrooms where students were challenged by their teacher(s) to think outside the box. Or, when a student works together with a classmate to “tackle” a problem. I have also been impressed by the reimagining of some of the school district's classrooms. Reimagining through flexible seating appearing all across the district. It has been said the classroom design has not changed in a hundred years. Well, I would invite those people to our school district to see some of the innovative ways the seating in our classrooms has changed, inviting students to converse about their learning and the tasks that have been assigned to the class.

One more topic before I end my opening letter to you, the South Western Community. The topic is pride. It has been one of the most palpable feelings I have experienced since my arrival. It started with the excitement at the bus stops when Dr. Hartman and I rode the buses on the first day of school. It was reinforced by the spirit sticks and school building t-shirts worn during sprite week, and one of my favorites, the lip sync challenge held at the HS Pep Rally between the students and the teachers. There is such a feeling of community pride in all we do here in South Western. So, as we continue our journey together this school year, I would ask you to continue your support by showing your pride in our school district and continue your support of our students and teachers, for it is you that drives us all to be the best we can be!

Dr. Jay H. Burkhart

Responsible for organization and implementation of all programs and personnel. Provide informed professional leadership to board and staff. Oversee selection, deployment, and supervision of all district employees. Lead in development of two-way system of internal and external communications for district. Lead in the development and maintenance of cooperation between schools and community.

Dr. Burkhart's evaluation was completed on August 23, 2023, and he met the objective performance standards in his Contract.

Contracts

2023-2024 Goals

Elementary

 Goals:

• Develop and empower a leadership team that collaboratively facilitates the implementation of Phase 1 of the ELA core resources.
• Develop a plan to strengthen partnerships with community stakeholders and increase student exposure to job related skills and career options.
• Create an optimal learning environment for the whole child by developing and implementing Tier 1 strategies focusing on social, emotional, and academic needs.

Emory H. Markle Middle School

Goals:

• The SWSD secondary administrative team (6-12) will develop and revise processes and systems (i.e., time schedules, discipline matrix and student supports) that allows for increased instructional leadership capacity and time to support teaching and learning by reducing the number of office referrals by 5% (at each level based on 2022-2023 data).
• EHMMS administration will develop a structure of student support for academic and social-emotional growth.
• Through collaboration with Dr. Freil and pursuing professional development opportunities, Dr. Smale will enhance his leadership capacity to support teaching and learning in addition to the curriculum development process.

South Western High School

Goals:

• The SWSD secondary administrative team (6-12) will develop and revise processes and systems (i.e., time schedules, discipline matrix and student supports) that allows for increased instructional leadership capacity and time to support teaching and learning by reducing the number of office referrals by 5% (at each level based on 2022-2023 data).
• SWHS Administration will prepare students for college, career and life readiness by providing opportunities to connect and engage with other students grades 6-12 through the Mustang Ambassador program. Participation will grow by 5%. Growth data of students involved in this program will be measured against student data from our Mustang Mentor program during the 2022-2023 school year.
• Dr. Downs, in alignment with his new role as School Safety and Security Coordinator, will plan to complete the Act 55 Training and coordinating Act 55 Training for the district’s entire staff during the 2023-2024 school year to ensure school safety and security.

Athletic Director

Goals:

• The SWSD secondary administrative team (6-12) will develop and revise processes and systems (i.e., time schedules, discipline matrix and student supports) that allows for increased instructional leadership capacity and time to support teaching and learning by reducing the number of office referrals by 5% (at each level based on 2022-2023 data).
• SWHS Administration will prepare students for college, career and life readiness by providing opportunities to connect and engage with other students grades 6-12 through the Mustang Ambassador program. Participation will grow by 5%. Growth data of students involved in this program will be measured against student data from our Mustang Mentor program during the 2022-2023 school year.
• Increase participation opportunities for students by exploring, refining, and creating current & new athletic opportunities for students in the SWSD.
• Increase my personal leadership, communication, & administration skills through professional growth opportunities.

Administration – Superintendent

Goals:

• The Superintendent will design a teacher development program (Grow Your Own Model) to provide a pool of qualified candidates for the district to consider for employment in an ever growing teacher shortage.
• The Superintendent will assist in the oversight of the SWHS building renovation.
• The Superintendent will facilitate the transition of the administrative team (Assistant Superintendent, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment) throughout the 2023-24 school year.
• The Superintendent will implement a program to promote employee recognition and a positive workplace culture.

Administration – Assistant Superintendent

Goals:

• By June 30, 2024, the Assistant Superintendent will work with the Director of Curriculum to review for alignment of the secondary curriculum program as specified by the District’s comprehensive plan specific to the areas of curriculum, instruction and assessment of student learning, and will present a report of that review to the District Superintendent and Board.
• By June 30, 2024, the Assistant Superintendent will evaluate the district’s human resource management systems related to the professional development needs of the district staff, the recruitment, selection and appropriate placement of highly qualified personnel, and the administration of all supervision and evaluation policies and practices. The Assistant Superintendent will present a report of such evaluation’s findings and recommendations to the District Superintendent and Board.
• By June 30, 2024, the Assistant Superintendent will update the proposed evaluation of the district’s instructional coaching model with revised recommendations related to coaching responsibilities in the areas of purposeful use of technology the effective implementation of the intendended district curriculum, and the reinforcement of classroom based instructional practices.

Administration – Special Education

Goals:

• Develop new special education programming and continue to strengthen recently developed programming, including the opening of one (1) district operated autistic support classroom during the 2023-2024 school year and engaging in the transfer between entities process for five (5) additional classrooms for the 2024-2025 school year.
• Provide a continued focus on and growth of the mental wellness offerings available to the South Western School District including group and individual supports to students culminating in the update of a three tiered model of support specific to mental wellness.
• Support the orientation of the new special education coach to the South Western School District and her role.

Administration – Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Goals:

• By June 30, 2024, the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment will work with the Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, and Elementary Leadership team to review for alignment of the elementary curriculum programs as specified by the District’s Comprehensive plan specific to the areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment of student learning.
• Ensure that all teachers have the knowledge and skills they need to effectively use the new core resources in English Language Arts. This will involve providing teachers with professional development focusing on the content of the new core resources, how to use the new resources to meet the needs of all learners, and how to assess student learning using the new resources.
• Develop an individualized support plan for each building principal at the elementary level to strengthen their administrative leadership capacity.

Administration – Director of Accountability, Comparability & Reporting

Goals:

• Review and evaluate the district’s virtual program (Lincoln Edge) as the new district liaison to improve delivery of service to students and the district as measured by the action steps below.
• Lead the district Federal Programs and collaborate with Dr. Cromer as he oversees Title I at the building level as measured by the action steps below.
• Develop consistent practices for data entry in Sapphire to accurately report student information as measured by the action steps below.

Administration – Business Administrator

Goals:

• Develop a comprehensive long-term financial forecast for the district.
• Serve as President for the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials.
• Provide high school students with shadowing opportunities.

Director of Accounting Services

Goals:

• Review and update any School Board Financial Policies.
• Provide shadowing opportunities within the Business Office for students.
• Obtain professional certification through PASBO.

Director of School Facilities

Goals:

• Provide district representation and oversight of high school renovation, as needed.
• Offer exposure, knowledge and experience towards the advancement of career readiness in the building industry; design, construction and maintenance. I will offer guest speaking and facilitating opportunities for internship and/or shadowing for students interested in the mechanical trades, architecture, engineering or construction management.

Director of Transportation

Goals:

• Update vehicle preventative maintenance program.
• Develop alternative transportation plans.
• Work with the school counselors to have a student shadow for logistics.

Director of Food and Nutrition Services

Goals:

• Plan to serve students district wide a nutritious meal while maintaining food safety and sanitation while serving our students during times of food shortages, uncertain deliveries, staff shortages, flexible menus; all while continuing to follow USDA and PDE Department of Food & Nutrition regulations under the NSLP.
• Update all recipes and components in PrimeroEdge to match the government commodities and also vendors currently being used under the National school Lunch Program effective July 1, 2023.
• Offer guest speaking, internship or shadowing for students of interest in food service to gain hours and knowledge for future careers – gather student information about different foods they would like to see in our cafeterias in the future & meet with all 6th and 9th graders during health class to discuss new options, NSLP program, and understanding of what makes a meal at each level.

Director of Technology

Goals:

• Provide students the opportunity to shadow in the Technology Department.
• Implement cyber security protection measures to align with K12 Six Essential Cybersecurity Protections version 1.2.
• Develop transition process to prepare for new Technology Director.