CLARKS SUMMIT — After serving as assistant superintendent at Abington Heights for 10 years, Thomas Quinn will take over as superintendent of the Valley View School District, effective July 1.
Quinn, 52, also spent time as principal at Delaware Valley Middle School from 2002-2006, assistant principal at Delaware Valley High School from 1998-2002, and as a teacher at Scranton Preparatory School from 1985-1998.
During his time at Abington Heights, Quinn feels the district brought in many excellent employees.
“The most significant thing I’m proud of is all the high quality people we’ve hired, from teachers to administrators, since I’ve been here,” Quinn said. “We’ve filled the place with very talented and dedicated people who do the best for the kids every day. I’ve been here long enough to have had in hand in hiring every one of them. Through their hard work, my effort multiplies.”
The Elmhurst resident also believes the district has experienced positive academic growth during his tenure.
“I feel we’re very strong in literacy, mathematics, and the sciences and we’re always pushing toward the next thing,” he said. “Our people are always looking to do better.”
According to Quinn, the pursuit of success also extends to the student body.
“There is a push for excellence in everything we do,” he said. “In athletics, our kids want to win championships. In the classroom, kids push themselves to get into competitive colleges. Every kid involved in an organized activity, and the teachers and staff guiding them, wants to be the best.”
Quinn is looking forward to the new challenge and plans to utilize some of the techniques that were successful at Abington Heights.
“I met a great core of people who are energized and looking to do things they haven’t done before,” he said of the Valley View School District. “They were looking for a leader and direction. It’s not going to look just like Abington Heights because the communities are different, but a lot of the programs will be closely aligned with things we’ve done here.”
Abington Heights Superintendent of Schools Michael Mahon thinks Quinn will flourish in his new role.
“Valley View is very fortunate to have an administrator of his quality coming to their district,” Mahon said. “He was an extraordinary leader and great things happened here during his tenure. He was innovative with ideas and very practical in his approach. He was also a tireless resource for all the building principals and administrators who worked directly for him.”
According to Mahon, the district plans to keep the position vacant following Quinn’s departure.
