JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — New Jefferson Township Schools Superintendent Scot Burkholder, effective July 1, sent a letter to the “Falcon Family” this week, marking just his second day on the job with a message of appreciation and an outline of summer priorities ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.
Burkholder said he has already been struck by the community’s dedication to its schools. “In speaking with staff and parents, you can hear just how much our community cares about its schools and our shared mission to provide the best opportunities for our children in each and every classroom district-wide,” he wrote, calling Jefferson “a proud, hardworking town.”
During his first days, Burkholder visited several schools and met individually with staff, including a stop at the district’s Extended School Year program at White Rock Elementary. He said he watched ESY staff, the Special Services department, school administration, and the Buildings and Grounds team work after hours to prepare classrooms ahead of an expected heat wave, ensuring students and staff would be comfortable.
Looking ahead to the summer, Burkholder outlined several goals, including:
- Reviewing community feedback gathered during the superintendent search process
- Evaluating the district’s strategic plan, currently approved through 2028
- Continuing advocacy for a fair state school funding formula, particularly for districts in the Highlands region
- Meeting with building leadership and special services staff to expand opportunities for family feedback
- Continuing conversations with supervisors and building principals about supporting a rigorous, supportive educational experience
Burkholder described his leadership approach as hands-on. “I believe in boots-on-the-ground leadership. In the coming months, you can trust that I will be visible and engaged in our students’ education and present to support our school events,” he wrote, encouraging families to introduce themselves if they see him at school events, in the bus line, or at district games.
He closed his message by wishing families a happy Independence Day holiday weekend.
