West Chester Area School Board To Name New Superintendent Tuesday

WEST CHESTER, PA— West Chester Area School Board is set to vote Tuesday night to appoint Dr. David Christopher, who has worked nearly three decades in public education, as its next superintendent of schools, officials told Patch Friday night.

"Dr. Christopher brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our school district as our new superintendent," Susan Tiernan, board president, said. "We are confident that under his guidance, we will continue to provide the highest quality education for our students. With Dr. Christopher at the helm, we are poised for innovation, collaboration, and excellence in education."

Christopher is expected to begin his new position on Monday, Dec. 4.

“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.

Christopher was recently voted in as an Alumni Trustee to his alma mater, Juniata College, Huntingdon.

He serves as a member and is on the advisory board of the National Center for Education Research and Technology, headquartered in Laguna Niguel, Calif.

In addition, he is a member of the Governing Board of the PA Association of School Administrators, Harrisburg, and has served for the past four years as the chair of the Association’s Innovative Teaching and Learning Committee.

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.

The hiring process

From the applicant pool of 36, eight candidates were invited for a first-round interview and two candidates were invited to a second, final round of interviews.

The school board conducted a reference and background check of each candidate.

The interview process also included questions developed from an analysis of stakeholder priorities gathered through focus groups and a survey of parents, staff, and the community.

Christopher said his experience leading large school districts through school climate, safety, student wellness, equity initiatives, supporting teacher retention and staff satisfaction will fit with issues raised during the search.

Christopher will replace 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. Meet the new superintendent here.