IN Fox Chapel Area Spring 2020 | Page 11

A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT Dear Neighbors, As a resident of this community for more than 35 years, I was both humbled and excited to be elected as the School Board president in December. I feel the same way about serving the community. I know that I speak for my fellow Board members when I say that each one of us is focused on working together to expand on the district’s recent successes. We also remain dedicated to helping all students achieve at their highest levels. Although it has been a while since my two daughters graduated from Fox Chapel Area High School, my wife, Carol, and I remain rooted in the community. I know how fortunate we all are to live in such an exemplary school district. As a Board, we have been very busy. Our first task is to hire a superintendent who is confidently prepared to lead us into the future. Since December, we have been working nonstop to find the perfect candidate, whom we hope to introduce to the community very soon. We have listened to district residents and plan to choose a leader with a clear vision of excellence for our district – one who values the holistic growth and development of children, a person of strong integrity, and someone who is able to build a culture of inclusivity so that all students, parents, employees, and community members feel valued. Additionally, our Board remains committed to focusing on all aspects of learning. After all, that’s why we’re here. Yet, we also know it’s important to continue fiscal responsibility. It’s imperative that we help design and influence a budget that is responsible to all district taxpayers. There’s a lot to think about when it comes to the budget: salaries, curriculum, programs, transportation, infrastructure, and more. We also want to focus on working with all stakeholder groups to better define the Board’s vision, along with both short- and long-term goals. Keeping the public well informed is another important objective for the Board. As you read this magazine, I hope that you will see, like I do, that our community continues to reap the rewards of the hard work of our staff and students. We live in, not just a good school district, but a great one! I am proud to live here, and I am also proud to serve on the Board of School Directors. Sincerely, Somer Obernauer Jr. School Board President I know that I speak for my fellow Board members when I say that each one of us is focused on working together to expand on the district’s recent successes. We also remain dedicated to helping all students achieve at their highest levels. FOX CHAPEL AREA ❘ SPRING 2020 9