8th Grade Center Honored, Weller Says Goodbye

The Spring-Ford Area School District met for a regular meeting on Monday night and recognized the resignation of Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction Johnna L. Weller. The board was sad to announce that Weller would be leaving the district after five years of service. She will be headed to Boyertown School District to take a job as the Assistant to the Superintendent for Staff Development.

"I can just say it's been a pleasure and a privelege to work with the administrative team and the board and the teachers on behalf of the students," Weller said after the meeting. "It's a wonderful district and they have a lot to be proud of."

Weller's resignation is effective Feb. 1. Board members credited her with many of the achievements the district has seen over the years.

Recently, the was nominated by the state of Pennsylvania to potentially receive a National Blue Ribbon. The district is currently in the process of completing the application. The board and administration not only thanked Weller for contributing to those efforts, but also Principal Michael J. Siggins, the kindergarten through seventh grade faculty and administration, and the ninth through 12th grade students who were all a part of making the potential achievement possible.

Board member Bernard Pettit pointed out that only 13 schools in the entire Commonwealth were nominated for this prestigious award, and board member Julie Mullin pointed out that this is the first time a Spring-Ford school was nominated.

"This is absolutely phenomenal," said board member David Shafer. "Great news. Great job. I'm very proud to be associated with the nomination. Great job to all who were involved."

Blue Ribbon schools have been recognized by the Department of Education for achieving superior standards of academic excellence.

Board member Mark Dehnert followed up with congratulations to Weller for her years of service and her role in the school's nomination. Superintendent David Goodin also added his thanks.

"Johnna has certainly been an asset to district," Good in said. "We're going to miss her and wish her all the best in her new career with another district. It's been a pleasure to know you and I’m sure I’m speaking on behalf of everyone who’s worked with you. Thank you so much."

Another achievement that was attributed to Weller and the administration was the recognition of Keystone Achievement Awards to 11 schools in the district. On hand to accept the recognition were:

• Edward Mackel, Principal,
• Jacqueline Clarke-Havrilla, Principal,
• Mitchel Edmonds, Principal, &
• Mark Moyer, Principal, Oaks Elementary School
• Teresa Carboy, Principal,
• Melissa Patschke, Principal,
• Edward Smith, Principal,
• Theresa Weidenbaugh, Principal,
• Michael Siggins, Principal, 8th Grade Center
• Patrick Nugent, Principal,

The achievement is given to Pennsylvania public schools that achieved adequate yearly progress. That progress is measured by performance on assessment (standardized tests). Board President Tom DiBello said it's "clear that these schools set the bar high."

Weller had trouble picking out any particular memories that were her favorite over the years.

"The hard work and dedication and the team effort that goes into improving programs for kids," Weller said of her memories of the district.

She looks forward to continuing to enrich the lives of young children in her new job and helping them achieve success along their path to adulthood.