Souderton School Board Says Goodbye to Tom Kwiatkowski and Courtney Barbieri

John Worthington | The Reporter•

The Souderton School Board last week bid farewell to board members Tom Kwiatkowski and Courtney Barbieri.

Kwiatkowski, a 16-year board member, and Barbieri, a 4-year board member, declined to run for re-election this year.

Kwiatkowski described his tenure on the school board as "an honor and privilege.” He expressed optimism about the district’s future, taking pride in the board’s civility amidst a volatile education climate.

"When I see how the other school districts and communities fight over the last couple years, I’m proud of this district. We have our challenges, but we main civil,” said Kwiatkowski. "My hope is with the new board, we continue working together. Ultimately, we’re here for the kids, to make sure that every kid that leaves here has a path forward because they’re the future of our country.”

Barbieri characterized her time on the board as "a humbling experience.” She expressed excitement at the developments over her tenure, including full-day kindergarten, additional mental health support, new curriculum and increased community engagement. She concluded with a message of social responsibility.

"Always strive to learn more, to be able to make educated decisions,” said Barbieri. "Remember that we all are sharing responsibilities for the betterment of the next generation. Everyone should make an effort to serve their community. It helps us garner a new perspective, develop humility and become a better neighbor.”

Superintendent Frank Gallagher and board president Ken Keith thanked Kwiatkowski and Barbieri for their service and dedication to the community.

"We got a lot done with the two of you,” said Gallagher. "I’m gonna miss you and we wish you the best,” said Gallagher.

"Volunteers are the salt of the earth people. Thank you for your service and kindness,” added Keith. "We’re gonna miss you for sure. I really do wish you the best moving forward.”

Turning to official business, student representative Emma Potter reported on recent events in the school district, including senior graduation projects, a blood drive, a rock concert, the start of the winter concert season, the Interact Club’s annual veterans’ brunch and three fall plays, with one written by a Souderton graduate. She also announced that the boys’ cross country and water polo teams each finished fourth place in the state and that the football team had a historic season with 11 wins.

Student representative Emeila Messina then reported on some upcoming events in the district, including parent-teacher conferences, winter sports, a SAVE club greenhouse and the high school tech department’s annual winter workshop, in which first graders visit the high school for winter activities.

In his report to the board, Gallagher announced that he testified to the Pennsylvania House Education and Appropriations Committees at a public hearing on school funding. He further congratulated the school’s fall athletic teams for their performances, revealing that the boys’ football and cross-country teams will be recognized at the next meeting. He also took note of the numerous food drives organized by student groups ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, commending the students’ charitable spirit.

On another note, board member Janet Flisak announced that the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (IU) will begin implementation of its Project AWARE grant in the spring. A nationwide grant to help fund school-based mental health programs and services, the program will include universal mental health screening and care coordination for students. Flisak also announced that the IU received a $1 million Stop School Violence grant that will soon be available for Montgomery County school districts.

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