PRESENTATION … Superintendent Burke stands with several staff members after receiving his award for Runner Up: Innovative Superintendent of the Year 2024. Pictured are Barbie Shepard, Ellen Bernal, Amy Kramer, Jon Burke, Doug Ford, Benjamin Wagner, Pamela Schultz, Jeanne Jeffers.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
Pike-Delta-York Superintendent Jon Burke was recently nominated for the Innovative Superintendent of the Year Award. On Friday, November 15th, Mr. Burke was presented with an award for winning the title of Runner Up: Innovative Superintendent of the Year 2024.
“Jon Burke, Superintendent at Pike-Delta-York Local Schools, has been nominated for the prestigious Innovative Superintendent of the Year award for 2024 in the State of Ohio”, a press release from the school about the award began.
“This annual award, sponsored by Sibme, recognizes superintendents who exhibit creative and cutting-edge strategies to foster a culture of continuous improvement among their teams. Superintendent Burke will be formally recognized for his achievement on November 15th.”
“Jon Burke has been a pivotal figure in promoting a culture of continuous improvement within Pike-Delta-York Local Schools. According to Barbie Shepherd, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Communication, “Our teachers are using the Portrait of a Panther process to instill in our students our core competencies of adaptability, communication, critical-thinking, and responsibility.”
“This process has given us the confidence to model these traits for our students. Our students are working towards these competencies on a daily basis, and we continue to see great promise.””
“Burke’s leadership emphasizes collaboration and reflection among staff. He encourages involvement in Building Leadership Teams (BLT) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) meetings, fostering a collaborative culture.”
““Jon listens when teachers have ideas and thoughts and helps put those plans into action with new programs and initiatives,” Shepherd added.” Under Burke’s leadership, Pike-Delta-York Local Schools have seen numerous positive outcomes, including increased teacher retention, improved staff morale, and enhanced student achievement. The implementation of innovative strategies and a focus on professional growth have created a supportive and thriving school community.”
Jon Burke’s nomination is a testament to his remarkable dedication and the positive impact he has made on Pike-Delta-York Local Schools. His innovative approach to leadership sets a high standard for educational excellence.”
Mr. Burke was asked to come to the board office and was surprised by the staff members that came to attend the award presentation.
“I am overwhelmed and very thankful for our staff for them to even nominate me”, said Burke.
“I’m thankful that I’ve got a leadership team that entertains my ideas and works together on everything. I think as a district, we worked on the Portrait of a Panther Project last year, all the work we have done with the career tech grant and a lot of the other projects we have worked on, including academics and athletics. We have gotten a lot accomplished this past year.”
Mr. Burke began as the school’s superintendent during the past school year, with the current school year being his second year at Delta.