The Baldwin-Whitehall School District has promoted two seasoned employees from within the Central Administrative team to new leadership roles. Dr. Kara Eckert and Dr. Rachel Sprouse have each been elevated to new roles as Deputy Superintendent. These promotions will enhance the work already moving forward in the District and add resilience to the leadership of the school district.
Dr. Kara Eckert will build on her work overseeing student engagement and elementary instruction, now overseeing K–12 instruction and forging community partnerships through the new E.M.B.R.A.C.E program (Engage Members, Bridge Relationships, And Create Enriching Experiences). Eckert explains, “The focus will be to improve the communication and expectations throughout the department, as well as to continue the enhancement of curricular programming across all grade levels.”
Dr. Eckert brings a wide range experience across multiple districts as a teacher, principal, instructional coach, and Director of Instructional Learning. She reflects, “Over my 26 year career, I have found success vision-setting and leading innovative initiatives. Being a part of BW the past few years and having the opportunity to learn the district and the needs, I believe that I will be able to shift gears in this new role and keep moving forward without skipping a beat. The District has done extensive planning and discussing to create future-focused programming, and through this role, I am excited to turn the vision into action and reality and see the positive impact with all of our students.” Dr. Eckert’s certifications include, Elementary Teacher K-8, Special Education Teacher K-21, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, Principal K-12, Superintendent Letter of Eligibility. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Duquesne University and attended California University of Pennsylvania for her doctorate degree and Superintendent Letter of Eligibility.
Dr. Rachel Sprouse will continue overseeing the Employee Services Department and will now also support Student Services, Special Education, School Nurses, and School Social Workers. Sprouse elaborates, “The Deputy Superintendent for Student and Employee Services emphasizes the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders, including parents, students, employees, and community members, to create a collective vision for success. I look forward to helping to build a dynamic and supportive educational system that not only fosters academic achievement but also nurtures the personal and professional growth of everyone involved.” Dr. Sprouse brings robust experience as a teacher and principal in public and parochial schools across the region. She holds her Principal Certification and Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility.
Dr. Randal Lutz, Superintendent, expressed, “These advancements mark an exciting new chapter for the Baldwin-Whitehall School District. Dr. Eckert and Dr. Sprouse are gifted professionals who have demonstrated their skill in their work and their commitment to our students. We are grateful to have such capable leaders, who will not only enhance the day-to-day operations of our district, with greater collaboration and efficiency, but will also fortify our long-term success and ability to achieve the goals we establish for our students and families.”