Herman

  • Director Jeanne Herman

    Updated: Update coming soon.

    Years on the WYASD Board of Directors

    • Thirteen years.

    Occupation

    • Director, Rainbow Junction Child Care Center

    What would you say the most important issue is before the Board right now?
    I believe there is more than one important issue facing the school board. First, the community wants and deserves school board members who will represent their voice. Board policy clearly states the Board shall act as the general agent of the residents. Therefore, it is incumbent upon board members to balance the interests of the community with those of the district. Stakeholder input and community participation need to be valued and epitomized in board decisions. Second, communication with all stakeholders must be open, honest and timely. Transparent communication fosters public dialogue which leads to community involvement, community support, and a positive culture, all of which are vital to the success of the district educational program. Third, providing an outstanding educational experience that meets the needs of every student is becoming more challenging. Students have changed, education has changed, technology has changed and career pathways have changed. Governing an educational program that is designed to meet the needs of all students while at the same time promoting high academic standards needs to be the focus. Class sizes need to be reduced, disciplinary matters need to be handled and student achievement needs to be prioritized. Finally, while the WYASD has a healthy fund balance, it is critical for board members to make fiscally responsible decisions which not only benefit students and the educational program but also taxpayers’ wallets.

    ​What would you like the community to know about the West York Area School District?
    West York Area School District is rich in tradition and pride. It has been the mission of the district to open minds through educational excellence by hiring exceptional teachers and providing students with quality educational programs that promote academic achievement and success. While change is inevitable to meet the varying needs of students and remain competitive, it should not happen in isolation. Bulldog tradition and pride matters. Change must be pursued with clear goals and a defined plan driven by community input, research, and data that respects the psychological and social aspects of our Bulldog community. You matter to the district.

    ​What makes West York's mission, Every Student Every Day, powerful for you?
    The mission will be powerful when the school board utilizes the authority vested in it. It is the role of the school board to exercise leadership through its rule-making power by adopting board procedures and policies for the organization and operation of the school district. I believe it is imperative for the school board to take ownership of this role and become more involved in setting the district vision and goals which support the mission statement. The success of Every Student Every day begins with a strong and unified school board that is willing to exercise its voice to govern the educational program. Together, the board, community, and district need to build consensus on what truly makes the mission statement powerful. Once established, the board needs to monitor district performance and student achievement and ensure there is accountability to fulfill the mission.

    ​Where do you see the District in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years, and how do you see your role on the Board as an integral part of this?
    My role as long as I am on the school board will be to represent the voice of the community and do what is best for students. Educational excellence and fiscal responsibility have been and will continue to be priorities.

    ​Where could we find you on the weekend?
    During the day you will find me at home or at Rainbow Junction working. During the evening you would find me at home or at a local restaurant enjoying time with family and often friends.

    ​What people might be surprised to know about you?
    I am an introvert.

    ​What is one piece of advice you would share with our high school seniors?
    Embrace your faith, cherish your family, enjoy your friends and be true to yourself!

    ​What would you do even if you didn’t get paid to do it?
    Help others. We are called to serve.