Norwin Superintendent Receives Music Honor

By Patti Dobranski

Norwin School District Superintendent Jack Boylan’s commitment to the arts is music to the ears of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association.

The group recently named Boylan its “Superintendent of the Year” based on his push to have as many students as possible in all grades exposed to music education.

It’s the 19th year the group has honored a school chief who has demonstrated an above-and-beyond commitment to music instruction. He will be honored at the group’s annual conference in Hershey on April 18.

“Dr. Boylan was really impressive,” said Margaret Bauer, executive director of the educators’ association.

Nominees are selected based on the growth of the district’s music department and the percentage of the students enrolled in elective music education classes on the secondary level.

Bauer said many school districts have 100 percent music education participation at the elementary level because it is part of the regular curriculum. However, on the high school level, Norwin reported more than 60 percent of its students participate in music education.

“That is exceptional,” Bauer said. “That usually does not happen.”

Norwin increased its music department staff from 11 to 15 instructors in five years, according to Ian Morrison, a Norwin elementary music teacher who nominated Boylan.

Morrison, who served as Norwin’s band director for five years before opting to return to the elementary level, said he nominated Boylan because he wants school district residents to know the value of their superintendent.

‘We have a gem with Dr. Boylan,” he said. “He showed his support for arts in many ways.”

“When I told a colleague at another school district that our superintendent visits school buildings and comes to all concerts, they couldn’t believe it. They told me that if they ever saw their superintendent in the hallway at one of their schools, they figured he was lost,” he said.

Boylan said he’s a little embarrassed by the honor.

“I do think the arts are a vital, critical component to education, but I am a fan,” he said. “The students and staff do all the work, I just go and enjoy the concerts. In some ways, I feel a little guilty (about the award).”

Boylan, who has sung with choral groups, said he is proud to showcase the talent of Norwin students. “It never ceases to amaze me.”

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