On June 30, Mrs. Tammie Burnaford, Bellefonte’s superintendent, stepped down from her position. It wasn’t until Dr. Roy Rakszawski filled her spot on July 15, marking a new era for Bellefonte.
Dr. Rakszawski, usually referred to as “Dr. Roy” by students and staff, had originally been the superintendent for Edgewater Park Township in New Jersey for 11 years. His term for Bellefonte goes from July 15, 2024 to June 30, 2028. As an outsider to the district, Dr. Roy first must figure out his students.
“I want to listen and learn. Of course, I have immediate problems such as the construction of the Elementary school and staffing, but I do not have a long list. My hope is that in the first year, a shared vision will emerge,” Dr. Roy said. “My main goal, right now, is to get really collaborative with the people and community here, with the hope that I can get clear on specific items.”
However, students also should understand Dr. Roy as a person. With a new superintendent, some students can be hesistant to immediately put their trust in his decisions. However, Dr. Roy wants to assure students that he only has the best interest of BASD in mind at all times.
“I think I generally care about others and I want to be respectful, and I feel I maintain that approach as a school administrator, friend, sibling, parent. I just have empathy and try to assume the best in people–because you never know what kind of challenges other people face,” he said.
Being a superintendent is not an easy job for anyone. Challenges are constantly faced, and overcoming some of those trials can be tough. One of these challenges can be connecting to students in a variety of extracurriculars. With Dr. Roy’s background being in the Music Department, he jumped right into checking out other activities that students are involved in.
“Right off the bat, I have to say I’m really enjoying high school sports…because they bring the community together,” he said, “I’m also a supporter of extracurriculars.”
However, the drastic difference between a smaller district such as Edgewater Park and a larger district like Bellefonte can prove to be a challenge in itself.
“I was ready for a change in career–I was ready to grow and had always wanted to lead a larger district. When I saw this posting, it was very appealing…I started to explore, and it worked out,” he said.
Despite his limited experience with his students, Dr. Roy finds joy in spending time with them.
“I’m looking for more opportunities to meet more of the students, attending Student Council meetings or morning announcements. I want to attend a lot of the events,” he said.
Dr. Roy Rakszawski is Bellefonte’s new superintendent, and he hopes that he can bring change to Bellefonte in a way everybody wants.
