River Valley School District named AASA national ‘Lighthouse’ school system
River Valley School District is one of only six school districts across the country recognized as a 2023 “Lighthouse System” by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, in partnership with the Successful Practices Network and Battelle for Kids, to serve as a model of positive change in public education for school systems across the country. Specifically, River Valley was honored in the “Future Ready Learners: Academic Success, Real World Experiences” as an Excellent Choice. River Valley School District is the only Indiana County school district to have earned this distinction.
This is the second recognition that River Valley School District has received from AASA. In the fall of 2022, the district was named a Learning 2025 Demonstration System to Watch. “Earning the 2023 “Lighthouse System” recognition reflects significant leadership on the part of the administrative team, collaboration with district educators and staff, and a focus on future-ready learners with an emphasis on early exposure to careers and workforce development,” according to River Valley School District Superintendent Mr. Philip Martell.
The designation as a “Lighthouse” school system recognizes a commitment to progress as each district serves as a “beacon of light” in specific areas relating to redesigning the American educational system. Districts were evaluated by a review panel of independent educational leaders from across the US who looked for redesign component indicators, including student growth, offering learners opportunities to co-author their learning, early learning initiatives, technology-enhanced learning opportunities, and other factors.
River Valley School District was recognized on June 27, 2023, at the second annual Learning 2025 National Summit in Washington, DC. Mr. Philip Martell, Superintendent, Mrs. Regina Geesey, assistant to the superintendent, and Dr. Randy Zangara, director of the STEAM Academy, represented River Valley at this meeting of school leaders from districts across the country to network and share strategies that help maximize each district’s potential as innovative and transformative schools. River Valley School District is honored to be among this group of distinguished schools and looks forward to continuing our collaboration with these organizations. RVSD will continue to prepare students for the future while integrating strengths, interests, values and career-related learning in school.