A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Dear Friends,
I’d like to take this opportunity to share with you a few thoughts on our
School Board. I think that the public may not know or realize what a
phenomenal group of individuals we have leading our school district.
One of the things that impresses me most about our School Board
members is that they recognize the importance of working together for the
benefit of all students. As elected officials, they often must put aside their
own thoughts and feelings, and do what is best for the majority of students.
This isn’t always easy, but this group always comes together for the good of
the whole. It’s wonderful to work with such cooperative leaders.
Another thing that impresses me about our Board members is that they
understand their role. They know they are tasked with overseeing the
inner workings of the district, but that their job is not to micromanage.
This starts with the Board members having a great respect for our
district administrators and the jobs that they do. This type of partnership
does not happen in every school district. A school board attempting to
take over the roles of the district administrators never leads to a positive
outcome. We are so fortunate that our Board leaves the daily running of
our district to those who know children and what is best for them. This
does not mean that our School Board is not involved. In fact, just the
opposite is true, and they are very knowledgeable about the daily workings
of our district. However, they set the vision and expectations, and then,
rightfully so, expect the district administration to get the work done.
Passing a yearly budget is one of the School Board’s most important and
difficult tasks. The Board must maintain a delicate balance of satisfying
people with children in the schools, as well as our other taxpayers. I am
incredibly proud of the way the School Board handles the financial aspects
of the district. They lead with the thoughts of every taxpayer in mind. We
have a great school district, and that reflects in higher property values.
The Board has also recognized the necessity of keeping our facilities up-
to-date and implementing the latest technology to give our students every
advantage. They know that the education we are providing is one that must
serve the students, not just while they are here, but well into the future.
Over the last few years, the leadership of our School Board has enabled
our district to move into the top 10 districts in the state, according to
the Pittsburgh Business Times. This type of high ranking doesn’t happen
without a concerted effort of many individuals, chief among them, the
School Board.
The leadership provided by our School Board cannot be understated. It’s
a symbiotic relationship of trust and integrity that has been developed
over the years. When you see one of our School Board members, please be
certain to thank them for their dedication, hard work, and all of the time
they volunteer on behalf of our children.
Sincerely,
Gene Freeman, Ed.D.
Superintendent
10
FOX CHAPEL AREA
One of the things
that impresses me
most about our School
Board members is
that they recognize the
importance of working
together for the benefit
of all students.