Superintendent Van Fossan (left) with participants in this year’s edition of the AEPLP. Photo Courtesy: Mike Vuckovich, Windber Area School District Superintendent of Schools.
It’s vital for all school districts to exchange ideas and move the field of education forward, and Sto-Rox School District is part of a multi-state effort to do just that. Superintendent Megan Van Fossan traveled to Washington, D.C. in Septemeber to take part in the program kickoff for the Advanced Education Policy Leadership Program (AEPLP).
AEPLP is an invitation-only program that takes place each year under the direction of the Education Policy and Leadership Center (EPLC), a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to effective education policy. The EPLC works to improve student learning and educational opportunities for all learners, while also working to make schools more effective.
“Every school district in the country offers excellent programs and services, but they also face significant challenges,” said Superintendent Van Fossan. “Many of the struggles we encounter at Sto-Rox School District and within our community stem from shortcomings in public policy. Public policies must be crafted with the needs of all children and families in mind.”
“We have substantial research that can guide these policies, yet the truth is that many existing policies fall short of this goal,” she continued. “They often fail to address the unique circumstances and needs of diverse communities, resulting in inequities that hinder educational success.”
The superintendent said by prioritizing evidence-based policies, a stronger foundation for public education can be laid.
“This program is a crucial step toward fostering an equitable education system that supports all students,” she said, “paving the way for a brighter future for our entire community.”
This is the fourth year for the AEPLP. The latest cohort includes participants from Pennsylvania, Missouri, New York, and Kansas who are alumni of state education policy programs. In this case, Superintendent Van Fossan took part in the Pennsylvania program and is one of six participants from the Keystone State. The superintendent said it’s valuable to hear from educators from across the country.
“Their diverse perspectives provide fresh insights and innovative approaches to common challenges,” said Supeintendent Van Fossan. “Collaborating with peers from different contexts allows us to share best practices, learn from each other's experiences, and adapt successful strategies to fit our own needs.”
“These exchanges not only enhance our professional growth but also foster a sense of community and support among educators,” she continued. “Ultimately, their perspectives help us become more effective in our roles and better serve our students.”
September’s meeting in Washington, D.C. was the start of a program that will continue for the next eight months. Superintendent Van Fossan and the participants - two dozen in all - will work on team projects related to education policy while attending virtual seminars on various educational issues.
Superintendent Van Fossan said she hopes to focus on violence reduction or mental health for her team project. Both issues are important to Sto-Rox, with the district assisting Focus On Renewal as part of Allegheny County’s Community Violence Reduction Initiative, and the district assembling a wealth of mental health support services over the last few years.
AEPLP sits at the intersection of education and public policy, so discussions among the participants are vital. Participants will talk about what strategies are working in their schools, and strategies are not. Ideally, their team projects will help solve issues with policies that aren’t as effective as they could be. Finding successful solutions, then, is a key part of the program.
“Not only do we need changes in public policy,” said Superintendent Van Fossan, “we need more resources for our children and families. Ultimately, my job is to advocate for our kids.”