<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4XEPGj_0vj9UA0h00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4XEPGj_0vj9UA0h00" width="1487" height="1350" ><figcaption>Photo courtesy of Bellefonte Area School District</figcaption></figure>During the summer, Bellefonte Area School District superintendent Tammie Burnaford retired and a new superintendent, Roy Rakszawski, took over. Mrs. Burnaford endured the COVID pandemic and the swatting incident at the Bellefonte Area High School and has been part of the push for the new elementary school being built on the grounds between the high school and Governors Park. Her impact will not be forgotten anytime soon. Now moving forward, the district and community have welcomed Dr. Rakszawski.Dr. Rakszawski was the superintendent in the Edgewater Park Township School District in New Jersey and a music teacher earlier in his career.What was your favorite part of being a music teacher?I’ve always loved playing music. Teaching music was an extension of that. Seeing students go through a process of productive struggle and then being able to perform in front of an audience was gratifying and exciting. Also, as a music teacher, I worked with students over four years, so being able to establish deeper relationships with them was also meaningful. I’ve really enjoyed keeping in touch with some of my former students and it’s great to see them as successful adults and know that I’ve played some part in their development.What made you decide to take the leap from music teacher to administrator and how has it impacted your professional life?I became interested in school leadership when, in my 12th year of teaching, I had a new principal and vice principal who were different from any other administrator I’ve ever met. They were passionate and excited about leadership and motivated to make positive changes. They inspired me to make the change and I haven’t looked back since. Professionally, I’ve really enjoyed the lifelong learning that comes with being a leader. There are always things to learn and better ways to do things. It keeps my job fresh and interesting. However, going from being a music teacher to school leader was more seamless than you might expect. Band directors intuitively think about how to move a group with varied skill sets toward a common goal. I think because of that, many aspects of school leadership came naturally to me.What do you believe are some of the benefits of having an outsider’s view with becoming the superintendent of BASD? I think having fresh eyes on old challenges is always beneficial. As someone new to BASD, I can be objective as I start to identify areas for growth. At the same time, I always want to be careful not to simply imprint my ideas on others. I understand that, just because something worked for me in another district, that doesn’t guarantee that it would work here. Ultimately, my vision is to create a shared vision in collaboration with the BASD community.What are three things that you are excited most about taking on as the superintendent of BASD? What are two challenges that you know might be difficult to work through? And what is one aspect of the job that you would like to improve upon professionally?Three things I’m most excited about: 1) The amount of talent and dedication among the administrators and staff is amazing. 2) The sense of community is strong and positive. 3) This is a great area with so much to offer.Two challenges: 1) The construction of a new elementary school brings many challenges. 2) Keeping our schools fully staffed. This seems to be a challenge everywhere.One aspect of the job to improve: Although I have 11 years of superintendent experience in New Jersey, there are many differences here in Pennsylvania. It will take some time for me to acclimate to the way things are done here.A “3 – 2 – 1 question activity” about Dr. Rakszawski. What are three of your favorite hobbies? What are two fun facts about yourself? And lastly, what is one piece of advice that you would give a younger version of yourself?Three hobbies: 1) Spending time with my family and two dogs. 2) I love to cook. 3) I enjoy cycling.Two fun facts: 1) After graduating college, I worked on a cruise ship for six months as a musician. It was a great experience and I saw some unforgettable places. 2) Many years ago, while working as a musician in Philadelphia and Atlantic City, I was fortunate enough to perform with many famous people. It was just my job back then, but now I look back and realize how lucky I was to have had those opportunities.One piece of advice: Don’t blink! Life goes by quickly so don’t wait to do what you really want to do.Lastly, any other information that you would like to include?I love being a school superintendent and I think I would love this job pretty much anywhere. However, having this opportunity to lead in a place as special as BASD is incredible. I’m very grateful to be here.Carla Cipro is the public relations coordinator for the Bellefonte Area School District.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

A New Tune in Bellefonte

During the summer, Bellefonte Area School District superintendent Tammie Burnaford retired and a new superintendent, Roy Rakszawski, took over. Mrs. Burnaford endured the COVID pandemic and the swatting incident at the Bellefonte Area High School and has been part of the push for the new elementary school being built on the grounds between the high school and Governors Park. Her impact will not be forgotten anytime soon. Now moving forward, the district and community have welcomed Dr. Rakszawski.