Angelo Berrios, the principal of Abington Senior High School in Montgomery County, is expected to be named superintendent of the Pennridge School District Monday night. If appointed, Berrios will be introduced at a community forum on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. at Pennridge High School.
Berrios would replace Dr. David Bolton, who has been on medical leave since early June and will retire Oct. 31.
“I am beyond honored to have the opportunity to join the Pennridge School District family,” Berrios said in a news release from the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, which facilitated the search process. “I plan to work collaboratively with our dedicated educators, staff, parents, and community members to ensure that every student receives an exceptional education that prepares them for a successful future.
“I believe, together, we will foster a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence, empowering our students to excel and thrive in a rapidly changing world. Education is the cornerstone of our society. As such, I aspire to build upon the Pennridge School District’s successes and forge a path toward even more remarkable achievements.”
Pennridge board President David Reiss said Berrios “brings with him a track record of success, a dedication to students and staff, and a bright vision for the future.”
Berrios, a Bedminster resident, has been the principal at Abington since 2013, according to the news release. During that time, Berrios co-led various district-level initiatives focused on new construction, career pathways, and scheduling. Before becoming principal, he was an assistant principal and social studies teacher in Abington.
“Throughout his tenure in Abington, Mr. Berrios has facilitated collaboration and unity among stakeholders, resulting in a student-centered environment rooted in academic excellence,” according to the IU release.
Before entering the field of education, Berrios served in the United States Marine Corps from 1991 to 1995 as an Infantryman/Machine Gunner (0331). He completed two deployments with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capable (22 MEUSOC), participating in operations Provide Promise, Deny Flight, and Sharp Guard.
After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, Berrios earned a bachelor's degree in Secondary Social Studies Education from the Pennsylvania State University at University Park and later achieved a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Joseph’s University. He is enrolled in the doctoral program in Educational Leadership at Delaware Valley University.
The community forum will be live-streamed, recorded, and made available online. The link to view the event will be available through the district.
In addition to introductory remarks from Berrios, the community forum will include a question-and-answer period facilitated by Dr. Mark Hoffman, executive director of the Bucks IU.
Community members are invited to submit up to two questions for consideration at https://bciu.formstack.com/forms/pennridgecommunityforum.
Questions may be submitted until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3.
The school board began the search process in July, engaging with the Bucks IU to serve as its search consultant. The Bucks IU conducted a community survey to identify the community’s opinions and priorities. Nearly 700 parents, guardians, taxpayers, students, staff and other community members responded offered feedback on the ideal attributes of the future superintendent.
The survey also captured what the community believes to be the district’s priorities for the immediate and long-term future. The survey results were shared with the community on the district website and through district communication channels.
The position was advertised from July 7 through July 23. Twenty candidates applied for the position.
The board reviewed all 20 applications and selected 11 for interviews. The 11 candidates hailed from four states.
The school board invited six applicants back for a second round of interviews. In addition to answering questions, candidates completed writing exercises and prepared presentations relevant to district priorities. The board invited three applicants to return for a third round of interviews, resulting in unanimous agreement among all nine school directors to offer Berrios the position, the press released stated.
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