he start of a new calendar year always brings renewed energy, making it an ideal time to set new goals and reflect on progress.

Just as individuals aim to grow and evolve, we at the Mt. Lebanon School District are deeply committed to advancing our mission to provide the best education possible to each and every student.

As the district superintendent, I’m provided with goals set by the Mt. Lebanon Board of School Directors. This year, our focus is on five key areas:

1. Student mastery of expanding and increasingly complex standards in reading and language arts, physical and mental health, mathematics, practical and fine arts, the sciences, world languages and social sciences is essential to maintain the district’s standard of excellence. Related is the need to provide a balance of experiences in academics, athletics and the arts.
2. There is a complementary set of skills to the standards that separate students who are prepared for increasingly complex life and work environments in the 21st century, from those who are not. An education that develops the skills of analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, communication, global awareness and collaboration is essential to prepare students for the future.
3. Mastery of standards and a complementary set of skills are best achieved in a thriving and compassionate community of students and adults whose performance and well-being are fostered by an intentional focus on evidence-based social and emotional learning.
4. For students to learn and demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities, the district must foster a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment in each of its schools.
5. Evaluate and implement district-wide strategic operations.

Each month, I provide the board  with an update during our meetings. I encourage the community to attend our meetings in person or virtually to learn about our progress and hear updates from our students. Some key accomplishments we shared this year include:

• Mt. Lebanon School District earned several top spots in local and state categories in Niche’s 2025 Best Schools rankings.
  • All seven MTLSD elementary schools were ranked in the top 50 Best Public Elementary Schools in Pennsylvania and the top 30 in the Pittsburgh area.
  • Our middle schools ranked in the 15 Best Public Middle Schools in Pennsylvania and the top 10 in the Pittsburgh area.
  • Mt. Lebanon High School was ranked the #10 Best Public High School in Pennsylvania and #2 in the Pittsburgh area.
• In March of 2024, we developed a professional development committee. The committee consists of approximately 45 employees, with representatives from each work group. The committee planned a November 2024 in-service day organized into a conference model focused on the areas of instruction, culture, safety and artificial intelligence. The sessions was delivered by district teachers, administrators, and staff.
• New elementary teacher leaders have been appointed to represent each content area across grades K-12, fostering continuity in curriculum and departmental goals. This curriculum council will meet quarterly.
• During this school year, the district will implement and host three safety partnership meetings. The first two will involve discussion, planning, and potential training with the school district administrators and Mt. Lebanon Police and Fire departments, as well as MRTSA. The third meeting will include a community forum.
• In collaboration with our Board of School Directors, we are currently updating policies using the Pennsylvania School Board Association (PSBA) framework and creating administrative regulations to align with the updated policies.

In the fall, the district began its strategic planning process. A strategic plan is a comprehensive document that outlines the district’s goals, objectives, and strategies to ensure we achieve our vision for the future. I’m confident that our administration, faculty, staff, students, and community will develop a plan to lead the way in educational excellence while fostering an inclusive school environment where everyone feels like they belong.

I am excited about the path forward for MTLSD and will continue to share updates on our progress, inviting feedback, and celebrating each achievement along the way. Together, let’s make 2025 a year of growth, connection, and opportunity for our entire school community!