The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

The Student News Site of Neshaminy High School

The Playwickian

What we believe Neshaminy needs in a new superintendent

 

Superintendent Robert Copeland delivers graduation speech to the class of 2015.
Superintendent Robert Copeland delivers graduation speech to the class of 2015.

Superintendent Robert Copeland will be moving on to Lower Merion. Though it seemed he was a fresh face to the district, implementing programs as part of something “new,” Copeland has left and gone, and behind him he leaves a district altered, unsure and divided.

Now, the next superintendent, whoever that may be, has a task rested upon him or her greater than that which rested upon Copeland.

This new superintendent must see through the consolidation plan to its final implementation and conclusion.

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However, there is a possibility that the school board may be composed of new members opposed to the plan. In that light, this new superintendent may be expected to champion consolidation, or expected to kill it.

In this atmosphere of uncertainty, a special superintendent is required by the community.
We need a superintendent that has a forward focus, one that is constantly looking to improve and expand. This includes continuing to expand our STEM programs, which were begun under Copeland.

We need a superintendent that is not afraid to step in and disagree with board members and other officials, so long as he or she does so professionally and respectfully, and with civility. At the same time the district administrator needs to do more to create a united front and bridge the gaps that have developed between administration, teachers and the school board. The fracturing that this district has undergone must be healed.

Lastly, we need a superintendent that is committed to this district and is willing to follow through with plans. Copeland was a forward thinker, yet he did not have that commitment to the district to see his plans through. The constant shifting between district chiefs has only hurt the students. Long-term commitment to the district, at this juncture, is more valued an asset than ever.

So when this board looks for its new Superintendent, they should bear these qualities in mind; in doing so they will have the district’s best interest in mind. This district has a tough and challenging task to be tackled.

Whoever fills Copeland’s shoes must rise to the occasion by sticking up for what is right and playing an active role, unifying fractured camps in the Neshaminy community, having a flexible and forward thinking approach to consolidation and all things, and committing to these things and seeing them through. Then, under that effective man or woman, this district shall have been brought to a better place.

This Unsigned Editorial represents the majority view of the Editorial Board

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What we believe Neshaminy needs in a new superintendent