Central Bucks Superintendent Candidate Introduces Himself To Community At Forum

About 150 residents turned out to a community forum to meet Central Bucks Superintendent candidate John Kopicki.

During the forum, about a dozen questions were presented to Kopicki by Mark Hoffman, executive director of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22, which helped Central Bucks in its search for the next superintendent.

Kopicki, who is currently the superintendent at the Altoona Area School District, answered questions about curriculum, communication, teaching and learning philosophy, standardized tests and more.

He described himself as a "methodical, thoughtful, engaging" team player who is also a great listener. He said he plans to be an active fixture in the community, meeting with kids, attending community events and being very visible.

"I will not be a ghost in your community. I will be an active, living, breathing person who will be very involved in your community," he said.

The questions presented by Hoffman were pre-screened and submitted by local residents.

One question touched on the budget, and specifically how Kopicki would balance district spending to meet the needs of all areas — including academics, athletics and the arts.

Kopicki, without getting into specifics, said he supports a "broad, wide" curriculum.

"Academics are clearly important, I don’t think anyone would argue that," he said, but it "doesn’t stop at one or two subjects."

He was asked about his vision for public education in the next two decades. Kopicki noted how much education has changed since he was in school. He said schools need to embrace new technologies and teachings and "always have our eye on the prize as far as moving forward."

The issue of standardized testing, and how best to balance the mandates while not overwhelming students, was raised.

"Testing has its place but it cannot be an end-all-be-all. It’s just a snap shot and a piece of the puzzle," Kopicki said.

Testing aside, the most important aspect of education is engaging children, he said. Kopicki said he believes educators must "make what they’re learning relevant to them."

During the forum, Central Bucks School Board president said the district received more than 1,900 responses to its online survey that sought input on the next superintendent.

Darcy last week confirmed the board has "unanimously agreed" to offer the position of superintendent to Kopicki, however the offer will not be finalized until a contract has been negotiated and approved by the board at a public meeting.

The agreement was reached during an executive session, because it was a personnel matter, said Melanie Sullivan, Central Bucks' Community Relations Coordinator.

Did you attend the forum? If so, what did you think? Share your thoughts in the comments.