Seneca Valley selected as National ‘Lighthouse’ School System to help transform education

AASA Lighthouse Recognition

Seneca Valley School District is one of only four school districts across the country recognized as a 2023 Fall “Lighthouse System” by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, the nation’s premier organization serving school district leadership across the country.

Seneca Valley, along with the other selected designates, is a member of AASA’s Learning 2025 Network, a cadre of more than 150 demonstration systems representing learner-centered, future-driven urban, suburban and rural school districts engaged in working together to help drive education policy and, ultimately, improve student learning.

Grounded in the foundational work of the AASA Learning 2025 National Commission and inspired by the commission’s report, An American Imperative: A New Vision of Public Schools, the AASA Learning 2025 Network aims to transform education, enhance student achievement and ensure no learner is marginalized.

“We are honored to be chosen as an AASA Learning 2025 Lighthouse System as it is a prestigious recognition of our commitment to innovative, forward-thinking and effective approaches to education,” said Dr. Tracy Vitale, Superintendent of Schools. “It acknowledges that we are effectively shaping the future of education, and we look forward to sharing our insights and experiences with the wider educational community.”

In addition to Seneca Valley, other new AASA Learning 2025 Lighthouse Systems include:
Beaver Area School District, Beaver, PA, Hermiston School District, Hermiston, OR, and Montrose County School District, Montrose, CO. The four districts will be honored in February during a Learning 2025 luncheon where each superintendent will be presented with a crystal lighthouse and banner.

“Using the word ‘Lighthouse’ should not be seen as a label, but rather a concept for school districts to learn and grow with one another and give voice to educational leaders who want to be part of shaping the conversation and practice around the future of education,” said Mort Sherman, senior associate executive director, AASA. “AASA is distinctly positioned to represent leaders across the country, drawing from our vast set of resources, and personalizing and customizing our service to each school district.”

Systems were reviewed based on strategies and recommendations developed by the commission. Redesign component indicators included:

Social Emotional-Cognitive Growth
Future-ready Learners
Cognitive Growth Model
Learners as Co-authors
Diverse Educator Pipeline
Early Learning
Technology-enhanced Learning
Community Alignment

The AASA Learning 2025 Network aims to empower superintendents and their teams to drive the change and enhance student outcomes in their district and across the country through access to personalized tools, support and opportunities.