The Keystone Education Report is a dynamic program produced by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) that brings together the voices shaping public education in the commonwealth. Each episode will feature in-depth, conversational interviews with key education stakeholders — superintendents, school board directors, administrators, legislators and other influential leaders — as they explore the most pressing issues facing our schools today. Following the interviews, we will host a thought-provoking panel discussion, where diverse perspectives come together to spark ideas, share solutions and inspire action.
Elevating the conversation on public education in the commonwealth
The Keystone Education Report (KER) is a dynamic program by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) that highlights the voices shaping public education in Pennsylvania. Each episode features engaging interviews with superintendents, school board members, legislators and other key leaders, offering insights into the challenges and innovations impacting schools across the commonwealth.
What makes KER unique?
KER goes beyond the headlines. It offers a platform for thoughtful dialogue and meaningful exchange. After each interview segment, the program transitions to a panel discussion where diverse perspectives are brought to the table. These discussions are designed to:
- Explore the most pressing issues facing public education today.
- Share practical solutions and innovative strategies.
- Encourage collaboration among education professionals and policymakers.
- Inspire action and advocacy at the local and state levels.
Why it matters
With evolving student needs, shifting policy landscapes and increasing demands on schools, it’s more important than ever to foster informed conversations and collaborative problem-solving. KER provides a space where these conversations can thrive — grounded in experience, driven by data and focused on solutions.
Watch the most recent episode here
Panelists
Dr. Mark Leidy has more than 30 years of experience in education and educational leadership and currently serves as executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units. He previously served 14 years as superintendent of schools for the Mechanicsburg Area School District, where he also held the roles of assistant superintendent and high school principal. Earlier in his career, he served as secondary principal at the Fannett-Metal School District and as a teacher, administrator and coach in the Chambersburg Area School District.
Dr. Leidy earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Duquesne University and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Shippensburg University. He serves on multiple professional and advisory boards and is committed to helping students achieve their full potential.
Dr. Andria Saia began her career in education as a school law attorney for the Levin Legal Group. For more than a decade, she represented Pennsylvania school districts and intermediate units in a variety of legal matters. Seventeen years ago, she transitioned to working as a leader at an IU and then as an assistant superintendent in a small urban district, before returning to an IU leadership role.
In her current role as executive director of Capital Area Intermediate Unit, she is focused on the evolution and innovation of public education, building on the strengths of educators and the invaluable partnerships with their communities to improve the experiences and outcomes for all. Dr. Saia is leveraging the opportunity that the IU provides to encourage schools and workplaces to become vibrant, inclusive spaces where all people feel they matter and where the dignity of self, other and the greater good is honored.
Dr. Christopher Marchese was appointed as executive director of the Lincoln Intermediate Unit in 2024. Previously, he served as superintendent of the Avon Grove School District in West Grove, PA, for 11 years. During that time, he demonstrated transformative leadership in overseeing a rural-suburban school district serving approximately 5,000 students. He has held several leadership positions throughout his career, including assistant superintendent, principal and assistant principal, and formerly taught high school science before moving into educational leadership.
His commitment to fostering a child-centered approach to all aspects of the school community has led to serving as a board member for the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators, a superintendent mentor, and the president of the Suburban Schools Study Council.
Host
Nathan G. Mains
Show Producer
Torie Tezik
Video Producer
Cody Roadcap
Special Thanks
Alec Petrillo
Christina Griffiths
Erika Houser
Fawn McClure
Jackie Inouye
Mackenzie Christ
Madison Griffith
Megan Orehek