The 2025 PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference brought together school leaders from across Pennsylvania at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in the Poconos from October 19–21. On Sunday evening, the conference hosted its annual Student Showcase and School Leader Awards Dinner, honoring outstanding contributions to public education and celebrating innovation in schools.
The evening featured presentations of the Pennsylvania Education Innovation Awards and the William Howard Day Award, each presented by the PSBA Institute. Below are the winners of each award:
Innovative School Board Award: Erie City School Board
The Erie City School Board was honored for its groundbreaking approach to elevating student voice through the creation of a Student Leadership Council. This initiative program provides students from all three district high schools with a rotating shared board seat, enabling them to engage directly with school directors, comment on public agenda items and influence district policy. Students also receive mentorship, governance training and attend a national conference hosted by the National Student Board Member Association. Erie’s model demonstrates that students are not just the reason for education — they are partners in shaping it.
Innovative Teacher Award: Chris Buckner, Oley Valley School District
Chris Buckner, a high school technology education teacher at Oley Valley School District, was recognized for transforming traditional wood shop into a thriving seven-pathway STEAM program. For nearly 15 years, he has led the school’s Project Lead the Way curriculum, expanding it into more than 20 specialized courses. These offerings give students access to college credit, industry credentials, internships and hands-on experience in fields ranging from civil and mechanical engineering to biomedical and computer science. His leadership has fostered interdisciplinary collaboration and earned Oley Valley multiple distinctions, including hosting a regional showcase in 2024.
Innovative School Leader Award: Dr. Matthew Friedman, Quakertown Community School District
Dr. Matthew Friedman, superintendent of Quakertown Community School District, received the award for his visionary work implementing the RIASEC framework districtwide. This initiative gives students a shared language to explore identity, interests and career pathways starting in kindergarten. Under Dr. Friedman’s leadership, the framework has become a cornerstone for fostering agency, empathy and purpose in education, creating a culture of curiosity and self-discovery across the district.
William Howard Day Award: Kathy K. Swope
The William Howard Day Award, honoring outstanding contributions to public education, was presented to Kathy K. Swope, a PSBA past president and former Lewisburg Area School Board director and president. Swope has served in numerous leadership roles, including chair of the PSBA Trust and member of the PSBA Governing Board for 12 years. Her extensive service includes positions with CM Regent Insurance Company, the Pennsylvania School District Liquid Asset Fund and the Consortium of State School Boards Associations. She also represents Union County on the America250PA Committee, planning the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.
About PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference
The PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference is Pennsylvania’s premier event for school leaders, offering professional development, networking and recognition of excellence in education.
For more information, visit paschoolleaders.org.
