West Chester Area School Board Appoints New Superintendent

WEST CHESTER, PA— West Chester Area School Board Tuesday night voted unanimously to appoint Dr. David Christopher, who has worked nearly three decades in public education, as its next superintendent of schools.

Each of the board members congratulated Christopher and said they looked forward to working with him. Christopher will begin his new position on Monday, Dec. 4. as a substitute superintendent for one month before starting a four-year contract on Jan. 1.

The board members also thanked Dr. Kalia Reynolds, who has been serving as the substitute superintendent since January 2023. Reynolds will then resume her role as assistant superintendent for the district.

Susan Tiernan, board president, thanked Reynolds and the board members for their strength and time in working together to select the new superintendent to hire a new superintendent.

Tiernan said the board knew from the start that Christopher was the right person for the position.
“He exhibited a kind presence and a good sentence of humor,” Tiernan said.
Tiernan said the board is grateful that Christopher accepted the position.

Christopher then shook the hands of each board member.
“I am incredibly excited to be joining the West Chester Area School District," Christopher said Friday. "I am thankful to the school board for this opportunity and for their belief in me.”

Christopher was selected out of 36 applicants to serve as superintendent of the district, which has 12,095 students. The district consists of 11 elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools.

The search began in January after Dr. Bob Sokolowski, superintendent, announced he would be retiring this year.

The candidate pool included superintendents, assistant superintendents, and lifelong educators, and had diverse applicants from candidates in eight states.

Experience

Christopher has 27 years of experience in public education and eight years of serving as a superintendent. For the last four years, Christopher has served as the superintendent at Cumberland Valley School District in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County.

He previously served as assistant superintendent, principal, director of the curriculum, dean of students, and an elementary school teacher in districts across Pennsylvania, including North Allegheny, Juniata Valley, and Huntingdon Area districts.

Education

Christopher earned his undergraduate degree in elementary education and music from Juniata College, his master’s of educational leadership and policy from Shippensburg University, and his superintendent letter of eligibility and doctorate of educational leadership and policy from Shippensburg University.