WSSD Families and Community Members 

Update on Superintendent Search 

December 16, 2024 

Dear Wallingford-Swarthmore School Community,

We are pleased to provide an update on our search process for our next superintendent of schools.

We are happy to announce that 32 candidates applied for the position of WSSD superintendent. 

Of the 32 candidates who have applied, the list has been narrowed down to the top 6 candidates.  All 6 are sitting, experienced superintendents and have received information about WSSD priorities and have reviewed the responses from community stake holders. Each of the 6 candidates stated that they have the desire and skills to move our district forward. 

In the next few weeks, all six candidates will be interviewed by our consultants from McPherson and Jacobson.  Interview questions were developed and approved by the board with input from our district administrators.

Interviews will be recorded and the recordings shared with the board prior to our January meeting to evaluate the 6 candidates, and narrow the field to two or three finalists. 

Just a reminder to our community that each board member is being asked to sign a confidentiality agreement to ensure that sitting Superintendent’s applications remain confidential.  As such, board members are not permitted to discuss any of the candidates involved.

Regards,

Mary Jo Witkowski-Smith

Wallingford-Swarthmore School Board

Click here to view the document for the Summary of Stakeholder Input Sessions for Superintendent Search

Dear WSSD Families and Community,

I want to remind you of an important opportunity to be involved in our superintendent search process. An additional in-person focus group session has been scheduled, open to all families and community members.

Details for In-Person Focus Group:

• Date: Thursday, November 7th
• Time: 5:00 PM
• Location: Wallingford Elementary School

In addition, we invite you to complete the community survey, which will remain open through November 8th. Your input is highly valuable to us, and we encourage all members of the community to participate, either by attending a focus group, completing the survey, or both. Click here to take the survey.

Thank you for your support and engagement in this important process.

Warmly,

Rachel Riley

Communications & Community Relations Liaison

Wallingford-Swarthmore School District

Office Phone: 610-892-3470  ext. 1108

Dear Wallingford-Swarthmore School District Families and Community,

We are pleased to announce that an additional in-person focus group has been added to the superintendent search process. This session is open to all families and community members and will take place:

Date: Thursday, November 7th
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Wallingford Elementary School

As a reminder, there are other opportunities to participate in this process through additional virtual focus group sessions. Please visit our website for the complete list of dates and Zoom links.

Additionally, the community survey is now open and will remain available through November 8th. We encourage everyone to participate by completing the survey and/or attending a focus group.

Click here to take the survey.

Thank you for being part of this important process.

Warmly,

Rachel Riley

Communications & Community Relations Liaison

Wallingford-Swarthmore School District

Dear Wallingford-Swarthmore School District Community,

As part of the search for our next superintendent, we encourage your participation through two opportunities:

1. Focus Groups: Join one of the scheduled focus groups to provide feedback and insights.

2. Community Survey: If you prefer or are unable to attend a focus group, a survey will be available. You are also welcome to do both.

Below are the available focus group sessions. Each session will be conducted via Zoom:

• Families & Community of WSSD: Monday October 28th at 9am 

  • Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87541759897 

• Families & Community of WSSD: Monday October 28th at 3:30pm

  • Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81860132870 

• Families & Community of WSSD: Monday November 4th at 7pm 

  • Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83372463715 

• Families & Community of Wallingford Elementary: Saturday November 2nd at 9am

  • Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89887763137 

• Families & Community of Swarthmore Rutledge School: Saturday November 2nd at 10am

  • Link:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83285504157 

• Families & Community of Nether Providence Elementary:Saturday November 2nd at 11am

  • Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81542261791 

• ALL Families & Community IN-PERSON at Wallingford Elementary School: Thursday, November 7th at 5pm

Your input is invaluable, and we encourage you to attend a focus group session and/or complete the survey. Both options are available to ensure every voice is heard.

Thank you for your engagement in this important process.

Warmly,

Rachel Riley

Communications & Community Relations Liaison

Wallingford-Swarthmore School District

Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, Wallingford, PA, Superintendent of Schools (External Posting 345)

WSSD Qualifications for Superintendent

The candidate must have the background, skills, and abilities essential to lead a premier institution. The candidate will possess experience as a teacher, principal, and district level administrator in a comparable district. Must possess a doctorate or equivalent. Pennsylvania Superintendent certification – or eligibility for it – is required. The Wallingford-Swarthmore Board of Directors is seeking a candidate that: 

1. Places the child at the center of all decisions. Holds the knowledge of multiple and varied ways of learning that honor the uniqueness of each child. Supports WSSD educators as they create authentic learning experiences for our students, so they are excited and well-prepared for whatever the future holds.  

2. Has developed and facilitated the implementation of effective instructional strategies, district wide, that promote high levels of student growth and achievement. 

3. Has demonstrated the ability to implement the priorities named in our strategic plan with fidelity. Measures of success are data driven and shared with integrity.  

4. Is a leader with a strong moral compass that is rooted in justice and equality. 

5. Understands the importance of getting to know our district’s community and its unique makeup. Able to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders with a commitment to incorporate these perspectives in the decision-making/problem solving process. 

6. Is an experienced leader who demonstrates the capacity to build consensus while working towards our shared goals. The candidate is skilled in building relationships with administrators, teachers, students, and community members, including the capacity to cultivate effective functioning teams. 

7. Has a clear understanding of the efficient running of school district systems and the ability to ensure these interrelated systems run smoothly with automaticity. 

The Board of Education of the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District located in Wallingford, Pennsylvania is seeking a highly qualified and experienced, visionary leader to serve as Superintendent. The Superintendent will serve as a student oriented, forward-thinking leader who is prepared to continue to move the District toward exceptional and inclusive curriculum and learning while developing strong partnerships throughout the District’s communities. 

The Wallingford-Swarthmore School District (WSSD) sits nestled in the heart of Delaware County. The District geographically spans about seven square miles and serves the boroughs of Swarthmore, Rose Valley, and Rutledge and the township of Nether Providence. We are fortunate that Swarthmore College resides in our district, infusing a culture of academic excellence.  Being 30 miles from the center of Philadelphia, WSSD residents partake in the vibrancy of a great city which can be easily accessed by train or car.  

A large percentage of area school-age children attend the District’s five schools, and the District has dedicated itself to a tradition of inclusivity and excellence. Parent and community involvement remain one of the district’s greatest strengths. The District serves more than 3800 students and is supported by over 500 dedicated faculty and staff members. WSSD is comprised of three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. These include:  

• Strath Haven High School  

• Strath Haven Middle School  

• Nether Providence Elementary School  

• Swarthmore-Rutledge School  

• Wallingford Elementary School  

WSSD points of pride include the largest high school marching band in Pennsylvania with over 400 members, an award-winning visual arts program, and twenty-eight advanced placement courses. In addition to our strong athletic and music programs, the high school offers more than 30 clubs and activities for students to join. WSSD is a learning community where each student can find their place to shine.     

McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., Executive Recruitment and Development is engaged as the consultant in a search for outstanding candidates. They will assist the School Board in identifying and screening the candidates.  

Enrollment: 3,800  

Location: Southeastern Delaware County, Pennsylvania – approximately 30 miles southwest of Philadelphia