MNSD's Dr Tina Kane Named 2025 Superintendent Of The Year

MARPLE-NEWTOWN, PA — The head of the Marple Newtown School District has been named the 2025 Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year.

The Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators bestowed the honor on District Superintendent Dr. Tina Kane.

"This award belongs to the entire Marple Newtown community," Kane said in a letter sent to the district community. "It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our incredible staff, students, School Board, and supportive families."

Kane was selected for this honor by the PASA Board of Governors and the PASA Elections Committee, chosen from a highly competitive pool of nominations received from across the Commonwealth, the association said.

"Leading Marple Newtown, a district where I grew up and have served for decades, has been the privilege of a lifetime," Kane said. "We have earned our tiger stripes as a team with perseverance, dedication, and a shared vision of our students’ success."

Kane has led the Marple Newtown School District since 2019, after serving in various leadership roles, including principal at both the middle and high school levels.

During her tenure, the district has implemented key innovations, such as district-wide K-12 STEM education and the introduction of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programming. These hallmark achievements integrate STEM and SEL through Design Thinking classes at the elementary and middle school levels, while the high school’s in-house STEM Academy, now in its fourth year, focuses on developing 21st-century skills and fostering student well-being.

Another significant achievement under Kane’s leadership is the restructuring of the high school counseling department into two specialized teams: one dedicated to student services focusing on social-emotional support, and the other on college and career academic counseling.

The association said the new structure greatly enhanced support for students, addressing both their mental health and academic needs, and has drawn attention from neighboring districts. The model has been presented at professional conferences, showcasing its success and potential for broader implementation.

"Dr. Tina Kane's long-standing dedication to the Marple Newtown School District is a remarkable testament to her unwavering commitment to student success and educational excellence," PASA Board of Governors President Dr. Gennaro Piraino Jr. said. "Over nearly three decades, she has been a transformative leader, inspiring students and staff with her innovative approach to STEM education, social-emotional learning, and effective communication. Tina's deep community roots and dedication to mentoring future leaders across the Commonwealth reflect her passion for making a lasting impact on public education. She has uplifted and empowered countless administrators as a champion of leaders, especially female leadership. Her vision and leadership are truly deserving of this recognition as the 2025 Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year."

In addition to her work in the district, Kane is a dedicated advocate for women in educational leadership, serving as the President of the PASA Women’s Caucus and Co-Founder of a local Women in Leadership group. Through these roles, she has empowered female administrators across the state, fostering mentorship and professional development opportunities for emerging leaders.

"Among a strong nomination field of candidates for the 2025 PA Superintendent of the Year, Dr.
Kane stood out as a shining example of leadership in the Commonwealth," PASA Executive
Director Dr. Sherri Smith said. "She leads with conviction, compassion, and a vibrant vision for
success at Marple Newtown. Through her role as Superintendent, President of the PASA
Women’s Caucus, and as a member of the PASA Board of Governors, Dr. Kane continues to
inspire those around her to reach new heights as we re-envision public education in the
Commonwealth."