Consistent Leadership for Consistent Results

Over the last several years there has been a rising trend of turnover, especially for Administrators, within our district. It makes me wonder, over the past 4, 6, 8 years what type of data has Saucon been collecting in regard to the professionals who have resigned, retired, or were transferred to another building in the district? Do exit interviews occur when an Administrator resigns, retires, or is transferred within the district? Who conducts the interviews, who collects the data, and who has access to the information shared in those meetings after? I am hopeful that as a potential future School Board Member, this is an area of concern we can study and improve upon in the coming years. In what ways has Saucon Valley considered getting ahead of these resignations? Perhaps an outside consulting company to help take a look at where we can better these trends. Other school districts have done this with success; is this something we should consider.

Based on my research of School Board Minutes, the graduating HS seniors have had 5 principals in the last 4 years.  It is unknown if the High School will have another new Principal come the fall or if they will ask the Interim Principal to interview for the position.

School Year	HS Principal	Asst Principal	Superintendent	Asst. Superintendent
24-25	Dr. Richard Kaskey Start Date 01/06/25	Mrs. Julie Davis	Mrs. Jaime Vlasaty	None
	Mrs. Teresa Casimire Resigned in Dec 24, Effective 02/13/25
23-24	Mrs. Teresa Casimire - Start Date 07/01/23	Mrs. Julie Davis	Mrs. Jaime Vlasaty	None
22-23	Mr. Walter Pawlowski Approved 09/13/22, Resignation effective 07/07/23	Mrs. Teresa Casimire - Start Date 12/22	Mrs. Jaime Vlasaty	None
21-22	Mrs. Amy Braxmeier Approved 05/01/22, Transferred to ES 09/30/22		Mrs. Jaime Vlasaty - Start Date 10/15/21	None
	Ms. Tamara Gary Resigned 06/22	Mrs. Amy Braxmeier	Dr. Craig Butler Resigned 10/14/21
20-21	Ms. Tamara Gary	Mrs. Amy Braxmeier	Dr. Craig Butler	Mrs. Jaime Vlasaty Start 09/23/20

The Middle School has had 4 principals in the last 8 years. While this is better than the HS track record, it is still something we must improve upon.  Especially after Middle Schoolers and their families learned today, that after 3 consistent years, Dr. Lensi Nikolov will be leaving at the end of this school year. There has been consistency for the Elementary School with Mrs. Amy Braxmeier since she was transferred from the HS to the ES in October 2022. However, before that there were 3 Principals in as many years (Dr. L. Nikolov, Mr. M. Sakelarides, and Mrs. C. Motter, respectfully).

Consistent leadership within our schools impacts the quality of education our students receive. When programs of study are changed and principals are not there to implement them, it lends itself to inefficiency. In areas where we have seen low academic growth, have there been areas of high turnover in educators or administration? Excellence in education includes more than a strong curriculum; it also includes consistent educators implementing the curriculum.

I strongly believe the Saucon Valley School District must strive to cultivate positive relationships among faculty, students, alumni, and the community built on collaboration. Collaboration isn’t just about teamwork; it’s about trust, alignment, and feeling seen. It's time for Saucon Valley to raise the bar; our students and our educators deserve consistency.