The Exeter Township Board of School Directors is pleased to announce they selected Dr. Christy Haller to be the District’s next Superintendent. Dr. Haller will begin serving as the Superintendent of Exeter schools on July 1, 2022.
No stranger to Exeter Township, Dr. Haller has worked in the District for nearly 15 years, and currently serves as the District’s Director of Human Resources. Prior to her role in central administration, she led Owatin Creek Elementary as its principal for a year and Lorane Elementary as its principal for 8 years, leading Lorane to a Title I Distinguished Schools Award. She first came to Exeter schools in 2008 as the assistant principal at Reiffton School. Before becoming an administrator in Exeter, Dr. Haller served as an elementary and middle school teacher and a reading coach and administrator in the Reading School District for 11 years. Dr. Haller earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership and her Letter of Eligibility from Immaculata University, and her master’s and principal certification from Alvernia University, where she received the Founding Dean’s Award. She completed her undergraduate work in education at Kutztown University. Dr. Haller also serves on the board of the Exeter Community Education Foundation and is a former Exeter Community Library Board Trustee.
In addition to working in Exeter Township, Dr. Haller has lived in the township for 22 years and has three children: Riley and Jacob, who both recently graduated from Exeter, and Maggie, who is a current 1st grader at Owatin Creek. She is married to Dr. Christian Haller, an Exeter graduate and principal at Octorara Intermediate School.
Dr. Ann Hearing, president of the Board of School Directors said, “After a careful and thoughtful national search for the next leader of Exeter schools, we are so excited to welcome Christy as the next Superintendent. She has demonstrated her deep commitment to excellence in Exeter with her distinguished leadership both in and out of the classroom, as well as her dedication to building relationships with parents, teachers, staff, students, administrators and the community. We are confident she fulfills all the key qualities that our Board, our schools and our community wanted–and needed–in the next Superintendent; we look forward to working with her.”
The Exeter Township Board of School Directors selected Dr. Haller following a national search. Early in the process, the community, as well as students, staff, administrators and teachers were invited to participate in a community survey that asked for key qualities and attributes for the next leader of Exeter schools. After more than 500 responses were captured, the Board created a Superintendent Profile based upon the key traits that were identified as being the most important to those in the community. They were:
- Trustworthy
- Communicator
- Committed to the Exeter Township School District
- Visible
- Team builder
The Board then formed an interview panel to help them select eight candidates to interview from the 14 applications that were received. Afterwards, the Board invited three candidates back for second round interviews this week, announcing their selection on Thursday.
Dr. Haller will replace Dr. Cynthia Mierzejewski, who has served as interim superintendent since Dr. Kimberly Minor’s departure from the district in February.
Editor's note 5/20/22: Dr. Haller's appointment will follow successful contract negotiations and a board vote.