Dr. Taranto is adding purpose to the comprehensive plan for the District’ s future. Under his leadership, the staff has developed a five-year strategic plan designed to move Canon-McMillan forward as a flagship District in Pennsylvania.

He said,“ The plan addresses everything from facilities and academic programming to professional development and student support. We want to ensure every part of our District is aligned and forward thinking.”

The planning process was collaborative from start to finish. The administrative team was tasked with gathering feedback through a survey from across the District and identifying what needed to be prioritized. Using a priority matrix, the team designed a roadmap based on the survey’ s feedback, outlining initiatives across a timeline with high-need, high-urgency items at the forefront.

Dr. Taranto added,“ This isn’ t about checking a box and moving on. Just because we implemented something doesn’ t mean we stop thinking about it.”

He said the ultimate goal across the entire District is to continue positioning Canon-McMillan as a top-tier school district. At the center of Dr. Taranto’ s philosophy is a belief that Every Day Counts.

“ We’ re in the business of learning, but more importantly, we’ re in the business of sustaining learning,” Taranto said.“ It’ s not about teaching something just so a student can pass a test. We want longterm, meaningful learning that sticks.”

44 CANON-MAC

That belief has led the District to focus heavily on professional development centered on the science of learning, helping teachers understand not just what to teach but also how students learn and retain information.

Canon-McMillan continues to expand career and college readiness programs, which Dr. Taranto sees as essential in preparing students for life beyond graduation.

“ We’ re putting students in the driver’ s seat,” he said.“ Giving them options, building their knowledge base and exposing them to real opportunities.” Dr. Taranto says that the heart of the work lies in making connections. He places a high value on what he calls“ micro-conversations,” which are short, informal check-ins with teachers, students and staff that help him understand what’ s happening in the buildings.

“ You gain a lot in those two-to-threeminute chats,” he added.“ They help us understand how the central office can better support the people doing the real work. That’ s the mindset we operate with.”

Dr. Taranto often shares a visual with his team. He explained the graphic as a circle with students at the center. Surrounding them are teachers, principals and staff, also known as the people“ in the game.” Outside that circle is everyone else: administration, operations, tech and facilities, all the individuals there to support the core circle. This student-centered mindset not only guides Dr. Taranto’ s visual framework but also influences the way he approaches leadership across the District.

“ There are always challenges, but I believe that our habits shape our actions, and our actions, in turn, shape our outcomes,” Dr. Taranto said.“ For me, that means putting the right people in place, having a great team and leading with positivity.”

Dr. Taranto maintains his focus on mindset and mission despite the demands of leading a District of over 5,500 students, families and staff.

“ I absolutely love this job,” he said.“ Canon-McMillan is a special place as a tight-knit community with a lot of pride and I give it everything I’ ve got.”