Greetings ! On behalf of the Board of Education , it is a pleasure to welcome our Norwin School District students , parents , employees , and the greater community to a new and exciting school year .

Building on the many successes of this past school year , we look forward with a calm and steady hand coupled with optimism to meet the many challenges for preserving and strengthening public education .

As the School District prepares its 2018-2021 Comprehensive Plan , the Board of Education and its Administration will continue making educational and financial investments based on best practices , proven methods , and strategies for long-term success .

With less state and federal funding , it will require a collective effort on the part of all key stakeholders to preserve the fidelity of our School District educational programs and services . In fact , and to date , prudent financial management and the reallocation , realignment , and restructuring of human and financial resources have contributed greatly to our academic and financial successes .

This ongoing process dictates a steady course of action and commitment on the part of those key stakeholders in the school community . To that end , “ Creating a Culture of Change ” requires a continuous effort to do all we can to sustain our quality educational programs and services .

These primary goals continue to be an integral part of our mission to graduate productive and responsible citizens in an ever-changing global society :

4 To increase student achievement and growth and produce high-performing schools through effective leadership , innovation , and technology .

4 To do what is best for students educationally and to do what is fiscally responsible for taxpayers .

4 To build capacity , accountability , and efficiency in the public school system .

In an era of new fiscal reality , it is my responsibility as the Superintendent of Schools to use executive leadership skills by “ Creating a Culture of Change ,” which fosters the “ capacity to seek , critically assess , and selectively incorporate new ideas and practices ” ( Fullen , Michael , “ Leading in a Culture of Change ”, 2001 ).

Now more than ever , my core belief is that transforming the culture – changing the way we do things – is the only way that public education can be strengthened and preserved . By being calm and steady at the helm , we can work together to preserve what is good and right about our schools ; however , that process will require continuous efforts to meet the changing needs of the School District – budgeting and finance ; educational program and service delivery models ; operational support services ; and employee staffing and assignments .

With limited state and federal funding , the responsibility of balancing school budgets is becoming increasingly difficult . Together , we must help ensure that all children receive the educational opportunities they deserve to succeed in school and also to minimize the burden of local property taxes for the taxpayer .

Together , local school boards and superintendents , in partnership with the Governor and State Legislature , must restore a truly shared partnership and guarantee each child a public education where funding is fair , adequate , and equitable . The Pennsylvania Constitution requires that “ The General Assembly shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public education to serve the needs of the Commonwealth .” Therefore , the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania must do more to support local school districts .

In partnership with our Board of Education , students , parents , employees , and the greater Norwin community , I will continue articulating a vision for the future of the School District ; focus on student achievement and growth ; advocate for fair , adequate , and equitable state education funding ; and position the School District strategically for further academic and financial success .

Best wishes for an exciting and successful school year !

William H . Kerr , Ed . D . Superintendent of Schools

IN Norwin Fall 2017 | Page 40

2017-2018 S u p e r i n t e n d e n t ’ s W e l c o m e orwin

2017-2018 S u p e r i n t e n d e n t ’ s W e l c o m e orwin

Greetings ! On behalf of the Board of Education , it is a pleasure to welcome our Norwin School District students , parents , employees , and the greater community to a new and exciting school year .