Superintendent’s Message – York Suburban School District

Superintendent's Corner

Superintendent's Message

Dr. Scott T. Krauser

Welcome to the York Suburban School District (YSSD), a synergetic system of schools recognized as an exceptional learning environment for our resident students. With over 15 years of experience as a member of this school district, I can confidently say that the York Suburban community is an extraordinary place. I have had the pleasure of experiencing numerous moments of pride, excitement, and joy through my involvement in the school community and witnessed personal growth and fulfillment from our students in the classroom, on stage, and in the athletic arena. These experiences have demonstrated a strong community that is committed to preparing our students for a vibrant life that is increasingly complex and global.

As superintendent, I am honored to lead the District. I will strive to maintain our high standards of excellence, and I am committed to creating a learning environment in which each student achieves a personal pathway to success. Through the team's collaborative efforts and hard work, the District will continue its focus on educating and developing the whole child. Teaching and learning will remain at the heart of this endeavor. The District is fully committed to a dynamic curriculum that engages students in deep learning taught by highly-qualified professionals. The aforementioned is accomplished by engaging our children and families through diverse offerings and supportive services.

I encourage you to explore our District website and discover how you can become more involved with our school community. I could not be any prouder of what we have accomplished together, and I look forward to collaboratively inspiring a BOLD future in each student we serve!

Superintendent's Parent Council

The purpose of the Superintendent’s Parent Council is to develop and promote a robust family/school partnership that helps students achieve at their maximum potential. The council will improve communication and understanding between the District and the community it serves, as well as to encourage parent and community participation in school-related activities, through purposeful engagement with the superintendent. Parents play an important role in promoting the social, emotional, and academic success of all students and this council will provide a voice for our community families and help to empower our YSSD students – so they can “Inspire a BOLD Future”.

2022-23 Parent Council

2022-23 Superintendent's Parent Council Representatives:

Christina McLaughlin	Valley View Elementary School
Chawna Griffith	Valley View Elementary School
Elizabeth Lauer	Valley View Elementary School
Nicole Weisz	Indian Rock Elementary School
Meghan Leibensperger	Indian Rock Elementary School
Amanda Sevier	Yorkshire Elementary School
Aurielle Mosley	Yorkshire Elementary School
Ryan Emerson	East York Elementary Schooll
Maura Musselman	East York Elementary School
Greg Wolfgang	YS Middle School
Taryn Siar	YS Middle School
Jess Carter	YS Middle School
Derrik Wolpert	YS Middle School
Justine Kloske	YS High School
Jennifer Foremsky	YS High School
Margaret Sikora	YS High School
Joanna Smith	YS High School

2022-23 Parent Council Meeting Recaps

November 16, 2022

The Superintendent’s Parent Council was facilitated by Scott Krauser, Superintendent of Schools. The meeting began with introductions. Parents introduced themselves, shared the school(s) that their student(s) attended, and shared some background information about themselves.

Dr. Krauser next discussed the purpose of the parent’s council and meeting expectations.

The main topic of the first meeting was the 2023-2026 Comprehensive Plan. Dr. Krauser and Dr. Rebecca Lorfink, Assistant Superintendent, discussed the four guiding goals of the Comprehensive Plan: student success, district well-being, high-quality teaching and learning, and operational responsibility and partnerships.

Council members were provided a few discussion prompts and a conversation ensued regarding what our schools are doing today that are no longer relevant for current students. The meeting concluded with a brief discussion on community engagement. A calendar of events was also provided, as well as extra copies for council members to pass along. Council members were encouraged to submit discussion topics in advance of the next meeting and to bring any feedback from the YSSD community.

January 25, 2023

The January 25 Parent Council meeting was facilitated by Scott Krauser, Superintendent of Schools. The meeting opened with brief introductions.

Council members then provided feedback from the November meeting prompts and the feedback they received from their community. The following feedback themes were provided and discussed:
1. Life Ready Skills: The need for all students to take classes and/or master critical skills surrounding personal finance, personal relationships, and innovation.
2. Pathways to a career: There are many pathways to success, removing the pressure off ‘college for all of the students’ as the expectation of “what’s next.”
  1. Confidence: begin early to build student confidence, help find their strengths, and explore all options.
  2. The school and community (family) should help students connect to possible career choices and support student choice of college or career.
3. Equity in our elementary schools.
4. Student goal setting
5. High School:
  1. Discussion about the use of a cumulative grading system.
  2. Discussion about Collaboration Days
  3. Safety and security: the need for a school resource officer.
6. Keeping families engaged with student progress while moving through the secondary schools.
Meeting Topic: State of the District
1. Dr. Krauser gave an overview of the State of the District. The council members asked questions and engaged in conversation pertaining to how York Suburban School District has expanded and what the future looks like.
2. The council meeting concluded with each member reflecting on how the District can connect and engage, in a meaningful way, with our expanding community. This will be discussed at the next council meeting.
A calendar of events was provided to each council member.

March 22, 2023

The March 22 Parent Council meeting was facilitated by Dr. Scott Krauser, Superintendent of Schools. The meeting opened by introducing Dr. Ellis, Principal of YSHS. Dr. Ellis was invited to join this meeting to provide more perspective on topics discussed during the January 25, 2023 parent council meeting.

January 25 Meeting Follow-Up
1. Dr. Krauser provided feedback and information on topics that were discussed at the January 25 meeting: life-ready skills, pathways to a career, and equity in our schools.
2. Dr. Ellis explained how cumulative grading works and why this system is being utilized. He also provided feedback on collaboration days.
Community Engagement/Feedback
1. The following topics were discussed:
  1. Black History Month.
  2. Community feedback regarding the 5th-grade social being canceled.
  3. The timing of Parent/Teacher Conferences.
  4. YS students are not being prepared for STEM-related fields as compared to other school districts, nor do the facilities accommodate STEM-related opportunities.
Dr. Krauser discussed the following recommendations:
1. An intermediate consolidation option: Consolidating grades 3-5 will create a more cohesive and efficient learning environment. This will allow teachers to coordinate curriculum and instruction better, provide more individualized attention to students, and create a more focused learning experience.
2. Relevant, rigorous, and contemporary educational program pathways for all students. Projects specific to the secondary program to better align with student enrollment, enlistment, or employment pathways and coordinated with modern curriculum and contemporary learning environments. Implementing a more direct career and technical pathway will provide students with increased opportunities to develop practical skills and prepare for future jobs.
3. A capital plan committed to assuring a reduced likelihood of planned program disruption and contemporary facilities to meet student needs.
Dr. Krauser surveyed the group to see if there was interest in scheduling meetings during the summer and the 2023-24 school year.
A calendar of events was provided to each council member, along with a listing of all home spring sports events.

2023-24 Parent Council

2023-24 Superintendent's Parent Council Representatives:

Elizabeth Lauer	Valley View Elementary School
Nicole Weisz	Indian Rock Elementary School
Meghan Leibensperger	Indian Rock Elementary School
Amanda Sevier	Yorkshire Elementary School
Aurielle Mosley	Yorkshire Elementary School
Ryan Emerson	East York Elementary Schooll
Maura Musselman	East York Elementary School
Greg Wolfgang	YS Middle School
Taryn Siar	YS Middle School
Jess Carter	YS Middle School
Derrik Wolpert	YS Middle School
Justine Kloske	YS High School
Jennifer Foremsky	YS High School
Margaret Sikora	YS High School
Joanna Smith	YS High School

2023-24 Parent Council Meeting Recaps

February 7, 2024

Feedback on virtual learning days
- Proactive communication to students and families remains a high priority, both for planning and learning experiences.
- Families appreciated a mix of synchronous at the elementary and more asynchronous at the secondary. To support families, provide more details on the schedule defining asynchronous vs. synchronous.
- Concerns were discussed regarding students who lived in areas with power outages and how their work and attendance would be counted for the virtual day. A discussion ensued regarding cycle days when school is closed or virtual.
Updates on the Intermediate Center Project, the HS renovations, and Capital Projects were provided. A review of the Project Website was shared.
- Invitations to the upcoming public meeting scheduled for February 28, 2024, were provided and encouraged to share.
- Concerns were raised about reaching residents who do not have children in the district or are not connected to social media. Suggestions were made to broaden community awareness through alternative methods.

Progress on the Portrait of a Graduate work was shared.
- Draft graphics and language regarding the Portrait of a Graduate committee’s work received council member feedback.
A calendar of events was provided, highlighting upcoming events and activities.

June 21, 2023

The June 21 Parent Council meeting was facilitated by Dr. Scott Krauser, Superintendent of Schools. The meeting opened with introductions and an opportunity for attendees to share their summer plans.
On behalf of Dr. Lorfink, Dr. Krauser provided a concise overview of federal funding and its allocation within our schools.
Dr. Krauser proceeded to discuss the FFP initiative, summarizing the key elements that have been presented to the YS Board of School Directors. A discussion ensued regarding the consolidation of grades 3-5. Parent Council members actively participated, sharing their individual perspectives on the topic and providing the feedback they received from the community. Dr. Fuhrman and Dr. Ellis also provided insight that helped to address some of the concerns surrounding the consolidation.
Dr. Krauser answered questions raised regarding the hiring of a School Resource Office (SRO), ensuring that all concerns were addressed and information was clarified.
The meeting ended with a brief discussion on communication at both the district and the school building levels, recognizing the importance of effective and consistent communication. Members shared their experiences. Additionally, each member received a copy of the 23-24 school calendar for their reference.

September 6, 2023

The September 6 Parent Council meeting was facilitated by Dr. Scott Krauser, Superintendent of Schools. He began the meeting looking for feedback on the start of the school year. What went well? How can we do better? The following reflections were shared:
- Discussions about the various back-to-school events within each building and between buildings.
- Discussions about transition day and opportunities for new students. Questions about the average number of new students were raised, and the enrollment numbers for the 2023-24 school year were shared in this report.
- YSMS WEB and HS LINK Crews were discussed
- Discussions about the annual PTO/Booster meeting were discussed.
Renovation and Construction Updates: Dr. Krauser gave a brief update on the FFP progress for renovations and construction.
Portrait of a Graduate: Dr. Lorfink is forming a committee to provide input on the Portrait of a Graduate initiative. A video on evolving job skills was shared, and an exercise was conducted to identify soft job skills that will be essential for our students but not typically taught in school. Skills such as leadership, communication, emotional intelligence, time management, and problem-solving were discussed in both groups.
The meeting ended with a brief discussion on the expenditures for students in outside placements, which is closely monitored by the administration.
A Calendar of Events was provided.

November 16, 2023

The November 16th Parent Council meeting was facilitated by Dr. Scott Krauser, Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Krauser began the meeting by providing an update on the timeline for the high school facility renovation project. You can view the project schedules here.
Curriculum and Instruction
- Dr. Fuhrman discussed various aspects of curriculum and instruction, including the new science standards (STEELS), and a pilot of a new math resource (Open Up). She provided information on the Social Science curriculum and the Technology and Engineering Curriculum and concluded by discussing high school course selections and what they might look like post-renovation.
Recruiting and Hiring
- Dr. Lorfink provided an update on current job vacancies throughout the school district. A discussion ensued on alternative ways for filling these vacancies.
End of Marking Period Feedback
- Dr. Lorfink initiated a feedback session with being the end of the first marking period. The council discussed topics such as report cards, grading systems, benchmarking, homework policies, and the development of a timeline and resources for high school juniors to facilitate research and college planning.
A calendar of events was provided.

Performance Standards

2022-23 Performance Standards

As per the Omnibus School Code legislation, Act 82 of 2012, the York Suburban School Board is required to post the mutually agreed upon objective performance standards included in the contracts of the Superintendent and the Assistant Superintendent. The Board must formally evaluate, in written form, the Superintendent and the Assistant Superintendent by the end of each fiscal year. Below are the objective performance standards for 2022-2023.

2022-2023 (The Superintendent and the Assistant Superintendent have met their 2022-2023 Objective Performance Standards.)