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![Superintendent Search Update 11/28]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1690903476/scrsdorg/iu3xkht9eere0zr3neqo/seal_1.png","width":134}])
Please see the following letter and message from the Scranton School Board regarding the search for a new Superintendent:
"Since August 2023 the Scranton School District Board of Education has been conducting a comprehensive search for our next Superintendent, using the services of an independent consultant. Choosing a Superintendent is the most consequential responsibility of any school board, and to date Directors have already devoted over 60 hours to meetings, interviews and executive sessions.
We would like to thank everyone for their effort and contribution to our search, particularly those stakeholders and community members who participated in the wide-ranging public consultation. The insights and hopes for the future of our district that were shared helped greatly to shape the guidelines for our discussions.
There were over 20 initial applicants. A first round of interviews was conducted with 11candidates, and in October a second round was conducted with 4 candidates. On Sunday November 19th, the final three candidates were invited to meet informally for a third time with the Board, including current and incoming Directors, and with members of our employee groups, including representatives of the SFT, 32BJs and Act 93 members.
We were fortunate to have a rich field of outstanding educators from whom to select. After weighing the candidates’ education, experience and knowledge of our District, the Board is able to recommend a candidate whom it believes would be an excellent leader for our District, with a clear understanding of our strengths and challenges, and a strong vision of a path to a strong future.
Our goal from the start has been to ensure that the best possible person is chosen to lead our students forward. Giving the necessary time and attention to the search has extended the process slightly beyond the initial proposed timeline. As the vote to appoint a Superintendent requires five days written notice to the Board of Education, the privilege of hiring the recommended candidate will thus fall to those Directors serving after the December 4th reorganization. Until a final decision is taken, our Interim Superintendent Pat Laffey will continue to capably lead our District."
We thank everyone for their patience and are confident that the choice to follow this independent and transparent process will end in the right result."
![Superintendent Search Update 11/13]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1684270080/scrsdorg/vqvwpd7s1lyepkf1pe3s/seal.png","width":134}])
Please see the following message regarding the Superintendent Search:
"The Scranton Board of School Directors is continuing its search for the district's next superintendent. At this juncture, we have concluded the second round of interviews, and undertook an extensive discussion around a series of topics related to each candidate as we prepare for the next phase of the process. This includes a closer look at their backgrounds and assessing each candidate's interviews in more detail.
Furthermore, we are continuing to keep the focus group and survey results top of mind as we collaborate with key stakeholders in the district. In this next phase, we will also be reinforcing best practices in educational and organizational leadership.
Finally, we are providing candidates with an opportunity to engage with other district leaders as part of their due diligence to determine whether Scranton is the right district for them - just as the board is assessing each candidate's fitness for the office of superintendent as well.
We continue to appreciate everyone's dedication to the children and families of the district."
Good day, everyone! This update is the next status report on the search for our next superintendent. The board has completed the first round of interviews, and we have reviewed the results of those interviews and finalized preparations for the next round.
This week, the board is taking a closer look at a reduced field of candidates, exploring topics like vision, staff relations, collaboration and inclusive leadership, readiness to innovate and explore methods to educate today’s students, educational leadership, transparent communication and engagement with staff and community, building constructive relations with the board of school directors, and understanding how to advance in the midst of significant financial constraints.
The Board has continued to keep a close eye on the stakeholder comments from the focus groups as well as the survey results. Those opinions, along with other best practices in urban educational leadership, will be reviewed as we continue to move through this phase of the process.
As a reminder, It is important to note that the stakeholder data will also be used for purposes well beyond the search process. We will be using this information to plan and prepare a bold vision for the future of the district, which will include a series of well-articulated goals and performance objectives.
Our mission is to continue to be as thorough and efficient as possible in our approach to each step of the process. Thank you for your continued interest and commitment to the Scranton School District.
Good day, everyone! This update is a status report on the search for our next superintendent. First, a note of thanks to everyone who participated in the staff and community focus group discussions and/or completed the survey! We appreciate your comments.
The Board has been introduced to all of the stakeholder comments, and we are now taking a much closer look at the opinions and reflections of the participants. Later this week, we will be guided, via our search consultant, through all of this information as we prepare for the next steps in the process.
It is important to note that the stakeholder data will also be used for purposes well beyond the search process. We will be using this information to plan and prepare a bold vision for the future of the district, which will include a series of well-articulated goals and performance objectives. Much more on this in the near future.
We have also taken the time to review all of the candidates who have applied for the position, and we have conducted an initial round of interviews with a selected group of individuals. In those sessions, we explored a series of systemic, educational, and organizational issues. At this point, we are taking the time to review the results of those
interviews and prepare for the next steps in the process.
Our consultant has also been conducting intensive research into the leadership skills needed to successfully lead urban school districts, especially those organizations who have experienced financial challenges, and are charged with educating students from so many different cultures.
Our mission is to continue to be as thorough and efficient as possible in our approach to each step of the process. We will continue to provide updates as we move to the next phases. Thank you for your continued interest and commitment to the Scranton School District.
![First page of the PDF file: KindergartenRegistration]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1685994722/scrsdorg/tb5bfdp2hgokemywmxli/KindergartenRegistrationfor23-24schoolyear.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1685994722/scrsdorg/tb5bfdp2hgokemywmxli/KindergartenRegistrationfor23-24schoolyear.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1685994722/scrsdorg/tb5bfdp2hgokemywmxli/KindergartenRegistrationfor23-24schoolyear.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1685994722/scrsdorg/tb5bfdp2hgokemywmxli/KindergartenRegistrationfor23-24schoolyear.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1685994722/scrsdorg/tb5bfdp2hgokemywmxli/KindergartenRegistrationfor23-24schoolyear.png","width":1545}])
Student Registration Process for the 2023-2024 School Year is now open
![Penn State University is conducting a Child Health Study]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1697467926/scrsdorg/ktz1xklm6wca0r0xiilx/Screenshot2023-10-16at101007AM.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1697467926/scrsdorg/ktz1xklm6wca0r0xiilx/Screenshot2023-10-16at101007AM.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1697467926/scrsdorg/ktz1xklm6wca0r0xiilx/Screenshot2023-10-16at101007AM.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1697467926/scrsdorg/ktz1xklm6wca0r0xiilx/Screenshot2023-10-16at101007AM.png","width":938}])
Penn State University College of Health and Human Development and Center for Healthy Children are conducting a Child Health Study. The children and a parent/caregiver who are partaking in the study will have an opportunity to visit Penn State at University Park, PA. They will have a full day of activities and the experience of visiting a college campus with educational opportunities!
The study will provide nutrition, art, and science sessions that may spark creativity and allow them to learn about ways to lead a healthy life. If a child and their parent/caregiver would like to participate, they can contact the research team and we will ask a few questions to ensure eligibility. The families who are eligible for the study will be reimbursed for their time, their travel and hotel expenses will be covered.
The study is sponsored by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development and led by Dr. Hannah Schreier here at Penn State. Through their work, they hope to discover different ways that a child's environment and their relationships may affect their health. The information they learn will inform and guide researchers in developing ways to help children live healthier lives into adulthood. One of the primary eligibility requirements is that the child is between the ages of 8 and 13 years. If interested, please contact childhealthstudy@psu.edu or call 888-924-4535. You can also visit www.childhealthstudy.psu.edu for more information.
Attention all SSD Students and Parents:
Just a reminder for the upcoming school year:
ALL MEDICATION, both prescription and over the counter, MUST have a doctor's order and parental consent. Medication MUST be signed into the school nurse by a parent or guardian. Any questions contact your school nurse. Thank you for your cooperation.
For the 2023-2024 school year, the SSD will be adopting a new policy regarding water bottles. The language regarding the policy states that student beverage containers (i.e., water bottles): must be made of clear plastic material, not to exceed 32oz. in capacity, must have a screw-on cap, and must only contain water. Examples of non-compliant containers include but are not limited to solid color Hydro Flask, Yeti, Ozark, ext.
The SSD has also adopted a new policy regarding backpacks and lunch bags. The language states that student backpacks, gym bags, and lunch bags: Only mesh, clear, or see-through bags will be permitted inside school buildings. Bags will no longer be carried in the building throughout the school day other than when a student is going to/coming from gym class or lunch.
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Distinctly Scranton
Please see the following letter and message from the Scranton School Board regarding the search for a new Superintendent:
"Since August 2023 the Scranton School District Board of Education has been conducting a comprehensive search for our next Superintendent, using the services of an independent consultant. Choosing a Superintendent is the most consequential responsibility of any school board, and to date Directors have already devoted over 60 hours to meetings, interviews and executive sessions.
We would like to thank everyone for their effort and contribution to our search, particularly those stakeholders and community members who participated in the wide-ranging public consultation. The insights and hopes for the future of our district that were shared helped greatly to shape the guidelines for our discussions.
There were over 20 initial applicants. A first round of interviews was conducted with 11candidates, and in October a second round was conducted with 4 candidates. On Sunday November 19th, the final three candidates were invited to meet informally for a third time with the Board, including current and incoming Directors, and with members of our employee groups, including representatives of the SFT, 32BJs and Act 93 members.
We were fortunate to have a rich field of outstanding educators from whom to select. After weighing the candidates’ education, experience and knowledge of our District, the Board is able to recommend a candidate whom it believes would be an excellent leader for our District, with a clear understanding of our strengths and challenges, and a strong vision of a path to a strong future.
Our goal from the start has been to ensure that the best possible person is chosen to lead our students forward. Giving the necessary time and attention to the search has extended the process slightly beyond the initial proposed timeline. As the vote to appoint a Superintendent requires five days written notice to the Board of Education, the privilege of hiring the recommended candidate will thus fall to those Directors serving after the December 4th reorganization. Until a final decision is taken, our Interim Superintendent Pat Laffey will continue to capably lead our District."
We thank everyone for their patience and are confident that the choice to follow this independent and transparent process will end in the right result."
Please see the following message regarding the Superintendent Search:
"The Scranton Board of School Directors is continuing its search for the district's next superintendent. At this juncture, we have concluded the second round of interviews, and undertook an extensive discussion around a series of topics related to each candidate as we prepare for the next phase of the process. This includes a closer look at their backgrounds and assessing each candidate's interviews in more detail.
Furthermore, we are continuing to keep the focus group and survey results top of mind as we collaborate with key stakeholders in the district. In this next phase, we will also be reinforcing best practices in educational and organizational leadership.
Finally, we are providing candidates with an opportunity to engage with other district leaders as part of their due diligence to determine whether Scranton is the right district for them - just as the board is assessing each candidate's fitness for the office of superintendent as well.
We continue to appreciate everyone's dedication to the children and families of the district."
Good day, everyone! This update is the next status report on the search for our next superintendent. The board has completed the first round of interviews, and we have reviewed the results of those interviews and finalized preparations for the next round.
This week, the board is taking a closer look at a reduced field of candidates, exploring topics like vision, staff relations, collaboration and inclusive leadership, readiness to innovate and explore methods to educate today’s students, educational leadership, transparent communication and engagement with staff and community, building constructive relations with the board of school directors, and understanding how to advance in the midst of significant financial constraints.
The Board has continued to keep a close eye on the stakeholder comments from the focus groups as well as the survey results. Those opinions, along with other best practices in urban educational leadership, will be reviewed as we continue to move through this phase of the process.
As a reminder, It is important to note that the stakeholder data will also be used for purposes well beyond the search process. We will be using this information to plan and prepare a bold vision for the future of the district, which will include a series of well-articulated goals and performance objectives.
Our mission is to continue to be as thorough and efficient as possible in our approach to each step of the process. Thank you for your continued interest and commitment to the Scranton School District.
Good day, everyone! This update is a status report on the search for our next superintendent. First, a note of thanks to everyone who participated in the staff and community focus group discussions and/or completed the survey! We appreciate your comments.
The Board has been introduced to all of the stakeholder comments, and we are now taking a much closer look at the opinions and reflections of the participants. Later this week, we will be guided, via our search consultant, through all of this information as we prepare for the next steps in the process.
It is important to note that the stakeholder data will also be used for purposes well beyond the search process. We will be using this information to plan and prepare a bold vision for the future of the district, which will include a series of well-articulated goals and performance objectives. Much more on this in the near future.
We have also taken the time to review all of the candidates who have applied for the position, and we have conducted an initial round of interviews with a selected group of individuals. In those sessions, we explored a series of systemic, educational, and organizational issues. At this point, we are taking the time to review the results of those
interviews and prepare for the next steps in the process.
Our consultant has also been conducting intensive research into the leadership skills needed to successfully lead urban school districts, especially those organizations who have experienced financial challenges, and are charged with educating students from so many different cultures.
Our mission is to continue to be as thorough and efficient as possible in our approach to each step of the process. We will continue to provide updates as we move to the next phases. Thank you for your continued interest and commitment to the Scranton School District.
Student Registration Process for the 2023-2024 School Year is now open