Dear Pottsville Area School District Community,

I am grateful for the opportunity to lead Pottsville Area School District as its Superintendent!  More than a decade has passed since I taught Math at PAHS before taking on the challenges of administration in Schuylkill and Berks Counties.  Working as a team with faculty, staff, administration, students, families, and School Board members, our focus will be on proactive communication and collaboration with the Pottsville and Saint Clair Area communities about student achievement, extra-curricular activities, and initiatives.  Thank you to Dr. Jared Gerace and the entire administration for their time, efforts, and support during my transition.  I appreciated Schuylkill County President Judge William Baldwin swearing me in as an educational and financial steward for PASD students and community.

As a proud mother of Alexis (PAHS Class of 2019) and Patrick (Class of 2021), I have been impressed by the variety of academics, athletics, and clubs they were able to access and participate in.  The volunteer activities across the District demonstrate #ctidepride to our community.  Blending my prior successful educational experiences with my perspectives as a parent and community member, my motivation will be to improve equity with a simultaneous commitment for continuous improvement as Pottsville Area School District advances forward within and beyond Schuylkill County.

I have enjoyed listening and learning from teachers, staff, School Board members, administrators, and students during meetings, interviews, and visits to each of the school buildings over the past two weeks.  I viewed activities online, admired unique virtual and in-person lessons, have been in awe of the number of meals distributed, and read about extra-curricular accolades.  It is evident that Pottsville students have benefitted from the support of their families and the PTO in conjunction with the dedicated faculty, staff, club advisors, and coaches who take #ctidepride in inspiring them to take on challenges in academics, athletics, the arts, and other activities!

Like all educators, I am slightly outside of my comfort zone under the current circumstances.  As we transition to the 2021-2022 school year, my priority will be on relationship building and visibility with additional emphasis on physical and mental wellness.  I enthusiastically anticipate attending a multitude of events and activities!  To promote engagement beyond our school walls, I will share PASD information and accomplishments through Instagram @superintendentyoder to add to the District’s social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  Please send any news our way and encourage others to continue to like and tag our social media as well as share our posts to broadly communicate achievements and events using #ctidepride.

I am truly honored to become a leader in the community my husband Grant (Class of 1992) and I have raised our family in to ensure all students have rigorous and rewarding opportunities to thrive!  Please contact me to ask any questions or provide constructive or complimentary feedback about PASD.  Stay safe and healthy!

Sincerely,

Sarah Yoder, Ed.D.
Superintendent