Superintendent Steve Gerhard discussed the past, present, and future during Governor Mifflin School District’s first “State of the District” address. Originally scheduled for Monday, Jan. 25, the event was postponed until Thursday, Jan. 28, due to the winter weather clean-up.
The evening focused on Governor Mifflin’s “journey and future,” and “creating a narrative.” Gerhard presented feedback he’s gathered throughout his first months on the job.
A graduate of Governor Mifflin himself, Gerhard shared personal photos and talked about the influence his high school English teacher had on him senior year. “The impact was many years later,” he said, noting how some impacts are not immediately seen.
Time was given to pay tribute to H.L. Hendricks, Governor Mifflin’s first Chief School Administrator from 1952 to 1975. Gerhard also talked about established and important elements to education, such as using the latest technology, activities inside and outside of school, and graduation.
Looking back, stats were shared stating the district had 2,969 students and 111 staff members in 1953. In 2015, there were 4,080 students and 490 staff members. With the future comes growth.
Gerhard told a “Tale of Two Students.” The two students in question were his parents – both of whom came into the district differently, to demonstrate the different students within the district.
Addressing mentions of the past from members of the community in a recent survey, Gerhard introduced the idea of “Nostesia” – a combination of nostalgia and amnesia.
“What in the past to calibrate and what in the past to use to move forward? What strong traditions are worth keeping?” he asked the audience. “Good schools don’t happen by chance – neither do good students.”
The State of the District is also part of Gerhard’s year-long entry plan – a plan which needs to be “something for the entire district.”
Feedback from parents regarding how the district is meeting mission and vision statements was shared, in addition to PSSA and Keystone proficiency data.
“I think there’s a lot of opportunity for us moving forward as a community,” he said.
Keep up-to-date with district news at <www.governormifflinsd.org>.
