District selects finalist
Dr. David Bolton poised to become next superintendent
The district has narrowed the field to just one candidate in its search for a new superintendent.
Dr. David Bolton is the district’s pick for its top position, the district announced Monday, May 7.
The school board is scheduled to appoint Bolton to the post at its Monday, May 14, meeting.
“I am thrilled to become a part of the Pennridge community,” Bolton said in a press release from the district. “Pennridge is a school district where both the academic and social-emotional aspects of each student are focused on. I look forward to working hard to continue to build upon the many strengths of the district.”
“Dr. David Bolton exemplifies all of the characteristics set forth
by the community and incorporated into our application and interview processes,”
school board President Megan Banis-Clemens wrote in an email Tuesday. “His reputation precedes him The board was impressed with, not only his exceptional knowledge and experience, but also
his honesty, integrity, analytical reasoning, receptiveness, passion for education, humor, work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to community involvement. I have full confidence in his ability bring even greater success to Pennridge for years to come.”
Bolton will come to Pennridge from the adjacent Central Bucks School District, where he has served as the assistant superintendent for elementary education for the past four years, according to the district. A graduate of Lebanon Valley College, Bolton also holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Arcadia University and a
doctorate in educational leadership from Widener University. Other previous experience includes 12 years as a math teacher in the Pennsbury School District and 13 years as an assistant principal and principal in the Pennsbury and Central Bucks school districts.
Bolton is set to succeed Dr. Jacqueline Rattigan, who is in her fifth year as the district superintendent, when her tenure comes to an end at the end of the school year. Rattigan announced her retirement in December, launching a search for a successor.
The search, facilitated by the Bucks County Intermediate
Unit, began with the district conducting a community survey, with the responses helping guide the interview process, according to the district.
The district received 25 applications, with 12 being selected for first-round interviews, according to Banis-Clemens. Four candidate were then invited back for a second-round interview, with the school board unanimously selecting Bolton, who was invited back for a final interview April 25.
If approved by the board May 14, Bolton will take over as superintendent Aug. 1, according to the district.
Community members
will have a chance to meet their future superintendent during a community forum Monday, May 21, in the Pennridge High School auditorium. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with light refreshments, followed by a forum moderated by Bucks County Intermediate Unite Executive Director Mark Hoffman at 6:30 p.m.
The forum also will be live-streamed with a link posted on the district’s website.