3-13-2026 4:11am

From My Office to the Dance Floor

Lesley Misko Editor

photo: Wikipedia

[Editor's note-- Boyertown Area School District's, Dr. Scott Davidheiser, decided to try something new during his second year as superintendent. Rather than being headquartered at his Education Center office, he has introduced a "residency" program that has him maintaining an office in each school on a rotating basis. Early in the school year he wrote about this program for the "Reading Eagle," and he has now agreed to share it in "The Expression"]

by Boyertown Area School District Superintendent, Dr. Scott Davidheiser

Every new school year brings renewed positivity and hope for continued improvement and success in a school district. The Boyertown Area School District is no different. In fact, with the first quarter of the 2025-26 school year nearly over, Boyertown's newly established five-year strategic plan and associated goals have helped to strengthen and focus the district's approach to sound and research-based instructional and assessment strategies, along with prioritized, specific teacher/staff training necessary to carry out the vision of the district to meet benchmarks.

To assess our district's newly established vision, plans, and approaches to so many variables, I must observe firsthand the impact these changes and new methods have on our students and staff. Therefore, for the 2025-26 school year, I decided to give up my office in the Education Center on Montgomery Avenue in Boyertown and take up a monthly residency in each of our nine school buildings – nine buildings spread across nearly 100 square miles within the school district.

Having spent the past two months in both Washington and Gilbertsville Elementary Schools and now being present at Middle School West has allowed me an opportunity to do the following: observe instruction in classrooms, sit in on many staff meetings, learn about how our new methods to identifying data and how incorporating tiered instructional approaches based on that same data is impacting students, and ultimately being present and engaged with our staff and students to ask the necessary questions that truly give me the feedback needed for future planning and adjustments.

In addition to observing the instructional components at elementary, middle, and high school levels this school year, I also meet with and take extensive walks through the nooks and crannies of each building alongside the building's custodial staff. These experiences have already informed my future planning to better align facilities with the spaces needed for safe learning environments.

What has struck me over the past two months is how stretched I feel at times throughout the day. The need to respond to scheduled meetings within other school district buildings on any given day does not diminish, nor does the need to consistently meet and plan with other Central Office staff and Board Directors to prepare for the future. However, my decision to take up residency in all nine district buildings this year was the right one. It has made me better and, in turn, will help improve and strengthen our school district.

As an educator for nearly 30 years and Superintendent for the past seven years, my advice to every sitting Superintendent in the Commonwealth is to get out of your office. Don't just visit buildings in your district; take up residency and try to become part of the fabric of each one.

The interesting things you learn when you regularly sit with students at lunch or for more extended periods in a classroom, and the perspective it will bring you as Superintendent, are invigorating. The conversations and commitment you share with each building's teachers and staff during the time in the buildings are inspiring. Thank you to all Boyertown students and staff for allowing me to become part of your building's culture in 2025-26.

To all Superintendents in the Commonwealth - get out of your office and get onto the dance floor of your district! It's in those buildings and their nooks and crannies where you get to make your best moves.

Dr. Scott Davidheiser, Superintendent Boyertown Area School District