The Conewago Valley school board approved hiring a new principal during the board’s meeting on Monday evening.
Joshua Schaffer will begin working as the principal of New Oxford Middle School by Jan. 16, 2023 or once allowed by his previous employer, according to the board agenda.
Schaffer will take the place of Matthew Muller, who will transfer from his position as principal to a new role as the director of safety and communications on Jan. 16.
Muller’s transfer was approved by the school board on Sept. 19.
Muller has already begun preparing for his new position and told the board he recently attended a safety summit. The district will likely have risk and vulnerability assessments concluded sometime next year, according to Muller.
Superintendent Sharon Perry recommended the board approve hiring Schaffer.
Perry also thanked board treasurer Luke Crabill for the eight years he has spent on the school board, thanking him on behalf of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association.
“The Honor Roll is the Association’s way of thanking those individuals who exemplify leadership by giving unselfishly of their time and talents for the betterment of the public schools, serving students across the Commonwealth,” Perry said.
The superintendent also took the time to note American Education Week, thanking all school board members, staff and faculty members who contribute to the district.
Perry said she hoped district staff would be able to rest during the upcoming holiday break.
“I’m full of gratitude for what we’re able to accomplish together within our public schools at this time and it is my distinct hope that we are officially at that place where we can take some time to reflect on the good work that has been done,” Perry said. “We can spend some quality time with our friends and family and be thankful for each other as we move into the holiday season.”
Assistant superintendent Rob Walker said that the district is continuing to work on supporting its new teachers, adding that both beginner and veteran teachers new to the district are included.
“(We’re) making sure that we’re doing our due diligence and making sure that we’re supporting our new teachers because we know it’s very hard to find high-quality teachers, and we want to make sure that we are attracting them and retain them,” Walker said. “So that’s really important that we do that, make sure they feel supported.”
Walker said that the new teachers have been asked what additional supports they may need and added they were asked to think about what they would do for themselves during the holiday season.
Honors and recognition
The board recognized several students for recent athletic and academic achievements.
Kaitlyn Frey and Ella Billman were recognized as the New Oxford High School Rotary Club Student of the Month for September and October, respectively.
Four students were noted for receiving nominations as the Times Area Player of the Week: Brennan Holmes was nominated for the week of Oct. 10, Anya Rosenbach was nominated for the week of Oct. 17, Kaelyn Balko won during the week of Oct. 24, and Sydney Winpigler was nominated during the week of Oct. 31, according to the board agenda.
Five student athletes were also acknowledged for additional accomplishments. Harvin Flowers Alvarado was named the Player of the Year in YAIAA Division 2 boys’ soccer. Israel Felipe was named for the first team in YAIAA Division 2 boys’ soccer while Marcus Lua, Edwin Garcia-Sanchez and Jose Zavala were all chosen for the second team, according to the agenda.
Seven students were recognized for receiving college acceptances and, in some cases, scholarships.
Other business
The board approved a handful of classes for next school year.
“It’s a testament to our teachers who continue to work diligently to find ways to expand the learning opportunities that we provide to our students here at New Oxford High School and the district,” Christopher Bowman, principal of the high school, told the board.
Business manager Lori Duncan said the district’s audit was recently completed. The board will likely receive a packet with information about the district’s audit in late December, according to Duncan.
The board accepted a donation for $26,000 from Gene Latta Ford, Inc.
According to the agenda, the money is intended for the small engines class in New Oxford High School’s Career and Technology Center.
No one spoke during the time for public comment.
The school board will hold its reorganization meeting on Monday, Dec. 5. A study session will be held at 6:30 p.m. and the regular meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m.
Meetings are held in the district board room and are livestreamed on the district’s YouTube channel.
Imari Scarbrough is a freelance journalist. She was a staff newspaper reporter for five years before becoming a freelancer in 2017. She has written on crime, environmental issues, severe weather events, local and regional government and more.
You can visit her website at ImariJournal.com.