New Hope-Solebury Recognized As A 'Great Pennsylvania School'

NEW HOPE, PA — The New Hope-Solebury School District is among the first schools in the state to be distinguished as a Great Pennsylvania School by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association.

The Great Pennsylvania Schools (GPS) designation recognizes Pennsylvania public schools that provide students with access to rigorous programming, are community-centric, demonstrate financial well-being and display resilience.

“We are delighted to receive this designation, which signifies our deep commitment to excellence and innovation,” said New Hope-Solebury Superintendent Dr. Charles Lentz. “I commend our inspired educators, dedicated staff, and our visionary Board of School Directors for their efforts to ensure the best possible education for New Hope-Solebury students.”

To earn this designation, districts must meet criteria established in each of the four categories. Districts that provide students with academically rigorous programming must confirm that 100 percent of their teachers are certified and that students have access to career and technical education, gifted education, and advanced placement courses.

To demonstrate a district’s position as the centerpiece of the community, it must exemplify innovation in school programming, regularly celebrate the successes of students and staff, and provide academic and extracurricular offerings for the benefit of students.

The final criteria – resilience and fiscal health – measure a district’s planning efforts that ultimately lead to successful academic programming. To meet the resilience criteria, a district must implement an emergency preparedness plan and provide mental health supports for students.

A district meets the financially-healthy criteria by having an elected or independent auditor conduct a financial audit annually, making the final district budget available for public review prior to adoption, and following School Code requirements for bids and quotations when purchasing goods and services.

In addition to the GPS designation and success stories from schools across the state, the campaign website also houses information about the role and responsibilities of a school board, how to run for a position on a local school board, and a collective vision for the future of public education in Pennsylvania.

“On behalf of the School Board, we are honored to see our district distinguished and celebrated as a Great Pennsylvania School,” said New Hope-Solebury School Board President Judeth Finn. “It is a testament to how successful a school district can be when the school board, parents, teachers, staff, administration and community are all working together towards our students’ success.”