After months of searching, Spring-Ford finally put an end to the search for a new superintendent.
In a statement sent to families Jan. 29, the School Board announced that Dr. Jay Burkhart will be Spring-Ford Area School District’s new superintendent.
Burkhart served as the superintendent of Schools for the South Western School District since 2017 and prior to that served as Assistant Superintendent for the East Pennsboro Area School District. He is a known advocate for public education at both a state and federal level.
“I am honored to join the Spring-Ford Area School District as the next Superintendent of Schools,” Burkhart said in a message from the district. “I look forward to working with our dedicated Board of School Directors and our exceptional students and staff. I am steadfast in advancing the district’s vision and mission while assuring we meet the needs of our students, families, and community. I am committed to building strong, meaningful relationships across the Spring-Ford community, beginning on my very first day in the district.”
Burkhart graduated from Slippery Rock University and later continued his education at California University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He served on local, state, and national education boards and most recently served as the President of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators.
Burkhart’s appointment marks the end of Dr. Jim Scanlon’s time as SF’s interim superintendent.
“I look forward to working with Dr. Burkhart during this transition and supporting the district as it welcomes its next superintendent,” Scanlon said in a statement to the district.
This appointment marks the end of a seven-month search for Spring-Ford’s new leader after Bob Rizzo retired as superintendent over the summer.
“We welcome Dr. Burkhart to Spring-Ford and look forward to his leadership,” said School Board President Abby Deardorff. “The Board sought a proven superintendent who understands both the demands and opportunities ahead, and Dr. Burkhart brings that depth of experience. This selection follows a careful search process informed by the priorities of our entire Spring-Ford community, and we appreciate Dr. Scanlon’s collaborative and steady leadership as interim superintendent during this transition.”
Burkhart is set to officially start his term as superintendent April 1.
