Scranton School Director Sarah Cruz

01/01/2024

On December 4, at 12:01a.m., I ceased being a director on the Board of Education of the Scranton School District. I consider the last four years serving the consistuents of the district and the residents of the city to be the greatest honor of my life so far.

I joined the board in 2019, at a time of remarkable change. I knew the challenges and decisions ahead would be daunting, but I was prepared to listen, learn, research, and respond accordingly. As these challenges grew, almost as soon as I took office, and continued to multiply oftentimes simultaneously, I grew as a leader and as a person. Though there is still much work to be done within the district, I am proud of all that was accomplished during my tenure.

In addition to serving as the chairwoman for the Policy, Personnel, Education, and Special Education Committees at various points, I was privileged to be the NEIU-19 Representative and chair the Reopening Educational Advisory Committee. I also served on the Equity Committee, the City and District Diversity Committee, and the Safety and Discipline Committee. I am particularly proud of my participation in the PSBA Innovation and Policy Institute and organizing and moderating an Anti-Bias and Diversity Panel Discussion.

Being on the board, I was privileged to serve alongside a good number of individuals from varying backgrounds and with differing perspectives. Through every trial and tribulation, conversation and conflict, these colleagues made significant impacts on my viewpoints, and have touched my life in meaningful ways.

Not only did I cultivate lifelong associations with my fellow directors, I also forged the same with many employees of the district- central and building level administrators, maintenance and administrative staff, and of course, teachers. Through many meetings, conversations, and visits to schools for special events, I am happy to be able to say that I developed deep connections with a good many of you and your families.

This sentiment also applies to those community partners who have strived diligently to support the work of the district- the colleges and universities, businesses, and non-profit organizations which function as buttresses in many areas.

Overall, the greatest blessing for me while being a director was meeting and connecting with the students and families of the district- many of whom I saw myself in. My belief in their potential and my desire for their achievement propelled and upheld me on this at times rocky, but always rewarding journey.

I wish my former colleagues and new board members much success; and pray they have robust and respectful discussions moving forward. I am so grateful that I was given this opportunity and will always support the work and the mission of the Scranton School District.

📷: Miranda Pace

12/04/2023

One of my highlights while being a director was serving as Scranton's representative on the Northeast Educational Intermediate Unit 19 Board of Directors.

During my nineteen months on this board, I gained a knowledge of the vital, incredible work that the IU and other IUs across the country carry out for not only students, but also teachers, administrators, and the community.

I am grateful that I was given the privilege to make decisions which provided necessary resources and support for twenty school districts across five counties, including not only public schools but also private, charter, and two career technology centers.

A happy byproduct of being on this board was meeting and connecting with the other representatives within the consortium. Through them, I learned about other districts and boards, and gained a wonderful support system and lifelong friendships.

I thank my colleagues on the SSB for allowing me the opportunity to represent Scranton in this way. I also thank former executive director, Mr. Bob McTiernan and current executive director, Dr. Kathleen Sottile for their guidance and leadership.

I especially thank Mr. Joseph Muracco, President of the NEIU 19 Board and Dunmore school director, for his wise leadership and unwavering support of me as a director and as a person.

10/04/2023

09/09/2023

✨ Had a fantastic time on Tuesday visiting Willard, Sumner, Whittier, and Prescott Elementaries, South Scranton Intermediate, Scranton High including the STEMM Academy, and the Electric City Academy. ✨

Thank you to the leadership of all these buildings/programs and especially to the teachers, staff, and students for the enthusiastic welcome. 🤗

I hope everyone had an excellent first week of school and is having a great weekend! 🔔

09/05/2023

Wishing every member of the Scranton School District community- teachers, administrators, maintenance, support staff, and especially students and their families and communities- a successful, meaningful, and positive 2023-2024 school year! 🍎🌟🍏

06/21/2023

It was a joy attending the commencement ceremonies of both Scranton High and West Scranton High on Friday evening. The class of 2023 began their secondary educational careers at the start of a global pandemic and thankfully completed their senior year without any major interruptions.

❤💛 Congratulations to them and their families!! 💙🤍

I hope everyone in the Scranton School District community continues to have a wonderful summer! 🌞

06/16/2023

Loved attending the South Intermediate and West Intermediate "Moving Up" ceremonies on Wednesday. 🎓

Thank you to Principals Dan Gilroy and Angela Keating for the warm welcome.