Quaker Valley School Board recognized by Pitt council

Quaker Valley School Board was recently recognized by the University of Pittsburgh for its efforts in supporting student education and professional development.

It was given Pitt’s 2023 Tri-State Area School Study Council’s D. Richard Wynn Distinguished School Board Award.

School district officials were honored on March 16 during the 74th Annual Distinguished Educator and School Board banquet at Pitt’s University Club.

“The Quaker Valley School District Board of School Directors has been shedding light on innovation in education for decades,” said Michelle Miller, co-director of Tri-State Area Study Council. “Supporting students in modern and updated facilities that support a safe, welcoming, and technology-rich learning environment has always been their top priority.

“The Quaker Valley School Board and administration have demonstrated time and time again that they are committed to ‘lighting the fire’ and continuing to develop creative solutions to ensure that students receive an unparalleled educational experience.”

Assistant superintendent Andrew Surloff and several school board members were at the banquet to accept the honor.

“The district and the board are honored to be awarded by the Tri-State Council, through the University of Pittsburgh,” Surloff said. “This was a recognition of the innovation and strategic planning our board has done to position the Quaker Valley School District to be in the best place to be successful, both academically and financially.”

Quaker Valley received the same honor in the 2001-02 and the 2012-13 school years.

“We were humbled to receive this award, which reflects our innovative, forward-thinking approach to governance – an approach that extends across the arenas of instruction, staffing, facilities and technology,” board member Geoff Barnes said. “It’s an honor to serve the community as part of such a dedicated group.”

Kiski Area School Board also received the same honor this year.

The D. Richard Wynn Award was commissioned by the study council executive committee during the 1988-89 school year to symbolize the contributions of Wynn, who was the executive secretary of Tri-State from 1974 to 1980.

During his tenure, he promoted the idea that decision making by the school board and administrators should move from conflict to compromise. His idea was frequently referred to as the “win-win” process as he believed that students would be the true beneficiaries of this tactic.

In order to be considered for the award, school organizations must demonstrate exemplary practices by school boards and school district personnel in addressing important issues — issues that reflect directly on improved schooling for students — over at least a two-year period.