Seneca Valley School District was recently designated as a Great Pennsylvania School. The Great Pennsylvania Schools (GPS) designation recognizes Pennsylvania public schools that provide students with access to rigorous programming, are community-centric, demonstrate financial well-being and display resilience.

To receive this designation, districts must meet the criteria established in each of the four categories. Districts that provide students with academically rigorous programming must confirm that 100% of their teachers are certified and that students have access to career and technical education, gifted education, advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses, and JROTC programming.

To demonstrate a district’s position as the centerpiece of the community, it must exemplify innovation in school programming, regularly celebrate the successes of students and staff, and provide academic and extracurricular offerings for the benefit of students.

“We are so honored to be chosen as a Great Pennsylvania School,” said Dr. Tracy Vitale, Superintendent of Schools. “This designation is an affirmation to our hard-working staff who have an unwavering commitment to our students and their families. Public schools are the great equalizer in our democracy and should be propped up in our Commonwealth where all students are welcome to pursue their dreams and aspirations!”

The final criteria – resilience and fiscal health – measure a district’s planning efforts that ultimately lead to successful academic programming. To meet the resilience criteria, a district must implement an emergency preparedness plan and provide mental health supports to students.

A district meets the financially healthy criteria by having an elected or independent auditor conduct a financial audit annually, making the final district budget available for public review prior to adoption, and following School Code requirements for bids and quotations when purchasing goods and services.

“This honor recognizes schools that demonstrate a commitment to academic rigor, community, resilience and financial health,” said Ms. Lena Hannah, Member Outreach Manager, West for Pennsylvania School Boards Association. “We applaud you for your dedication in all areas. Your students are both successful and challenged by the district’s curriculum, which drives student engagement.”

In addition to the GPS designation and success stories from schools across the state, the campaign website also houses information about the role and responsibilities of a school board, how to run for a position on a local school board, and a collective vision for the future of public education in Pennsylvania.

Posted Feb. 4, 2024