Outgoing Derry Area superintendent bemoans loss of local control
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One of the biggest changes in education during the past 35 years is diminished local control, said outgoing Derry Area School District superintendent Roberta McCahan.
"Districts used to set their own standards and programs, but now these are dictated by the state and federal governments," she said. "It definitely takes away the local flavor of a district."
But, she added, students have not changed much at all.
"They always want to do well and, hopefully, we are able to provide different pathways so they are successful in their chosen fields," she said.
On Jan. 5, Mrs. McCahan, 58, announced her retirement as district superintendent, effective June 30.
"I wanted to give the district enough time to allow my successor to transition," she said of assistant superintendent David Welling.
His five-year contract includes a starting salary of $140,000.
Mrs. McCahan led the district since 2008 following 10 years as assistant superintendent. Prior to that, she was associate principal of the district's Grandview Elementary School for three years.
In 1974, she received a bachelor's of science degree in elementary education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, followed by a master's degree in reading and a reading specialist certificate from California University of Pennsylvania in 1979.
She taught in the Brookville, Hempfield and Ligonier Valley school districts and at Sacred Heart School.
In the 1990s, she earned an elementary/middle school certificate and superintendent's letter of eligibility from California University of Pennsylvania.
An accomplishment during her superintendent tenure that she cited is establishment of the Barbara Thompson Early Literacy Center, named for a late district proponent of early literacy.
The preschool program with literacy at its core also provides professional development for preschool student teachers from nearby Saint Vincent College in Unity and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
"It has really brought an awareness of the importance of literacy," she said.
Another source of pride is the recent $17 million renovation of the 45-year-old Grandview Elementary School, including a new cafeteria, new large group instruction room and more.
"It is a real valuable asset to our community that will provide quality education for the next 20 years," she said.
In her retirement, Mrs. McCahan, of Ebensburg, Cambria County, plans to travel with her husband, Ronald, and do more volunteering.
"I want to give back to the community," she said.
Mr. Welling, 58, has a doctorate of education leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech. He said his goal is "to continue the fine work this district has established," despite diminishing student numbers and resources.
In the past 10 years, the 2,300-student, suburban/rural district, which serves Derry Township, Derry Borough and New Alexandria, has lost more than 500 students due to smaller families, an aging population and declining economy.
"We want to provide quality education and will be challenged with less resources to accomplish that," he said.
First Published January 19, 2012 12:00 am
