Lower Merion Names New Superintendent

The Lower Merion School District Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Robert L. Copeland as the new Superintendent of Schools pending formal approval on May 18.

Copeland will join the District on July 1 following three years as Superintendent of Schools in the Neshaminy School District in Bucks County and more than ten years as Superintendent of Schools in Piscataway Township in New Jersey.

“Mr. Copeland is a highly-accomplished, nationally-recognized school leader who brings a wealth of skills and experience that will serve him well in Lower Merion,” said Dr. Robin Vann Lynch, President of the LMSD Board of School Directors. “He will provide strong and capable leadership during a time of increasing challenges in public education.”

Vann Lynch expressed appreciation to Acting Superintendent Dr. Wagner Marseille, who led the district over the past school year during the search for a permanent superintendent and will resume his role as Assistant Superintendent.

Copeland, who will be officially appointed and introduced at the May 18 Board of School Directors Business meeting, cited Lower Merion’s tradition of excellence and innovation and high level of community engagement as factors that attracted him to the position of LMSD superintendent.

“Throughout my career I have always admired Lower Merion as a district of excellence and opportunity and a national leader in public education,” said Copeland. “I am thrilled and honored to join such a special and supportive school community -- where big ideas are still possible, where ensuring the success of every student is not just a goal, but a deep responsibility.”

There will be several opportunities for parents and community members to meet Copeland during the summer the district said in a release. An official welcome reception for Copeland will be scheduled for September. Additional details will be shared with the community in the coming weeks.

(Photo: Robert Copeland/Courtesy LevittownNow.com)