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SDoL school board approves new director of schools, McCaskey principal

The leader of a charter school in the city and a former McCaskey High School administrator will assume two key leadership roles in the School District of Lancaster.

The school board voted March 16 to appoint Tommy Henley to the role of director of schools and Justin Reese to be McCaskey Campus Principal. Both leaders will start July 1.

Henley is currently La Academia’s principal and CEO. Reese is serving an interim appointment as principal of Buchanan Elementary. He was previously assistant principal at McCaskey.

“In spite their relative youth, these two leaders have accomplished a great deal in their careers, and we believe they will have a positive impact on our schools,” superintendent Damaris Rau said. “They share our high expectations for students, and we have high expectations for them. I look forward to supporting their work in these roles.”

As director, Henley will supervise and evaluate principals in half of the district’s schools. He fills a role formerly held by Josh Keene, who became assistant superintendent of the Annville-Cleona School District. Reese will lead the McCaskey Campus, one of Pennsylvania’s largest and most historic high schools.

Since assuming the leadership of La Academia, Henley has overseen significant growth in students and academic outcomes. Enrollment has grown to 240 students with a current waiting list. Achievement in English and math has grown substantially during his tenure, as measured by common classroom assessments. Student average attendance is up considerably, as well.

“We believe every child in our community deserves an excellent education,” Rau said. “While in some ways, charter schools ‘compete’ for our students, we pay close attention to their outcomes. We are very impressed with the success Mr. Henley has had in leading La Academia.”

As director of schools, Henley can have impact on a much larger group of students by coaching principals on effective instructional leadership, building organization and communication with constituents.

“As a Puerto Rican male who grew up in poverty, I believe educational equity is the foundational element to end cyclical and generational poverty,” Henley said. “Together, we can promote effective instructional practices that guide our scholars to post-secondary success.”

He holds a master’s degree in Latin American literature and culture from Northeastern Illinois University and is pursuing his doctor of education from Millersville University.

Justin Reese is in his fifth year as an SDoL administrator, including five years as assistant principal at McCaskey. The 2013 Pennsylvania Social Studies Teacher of the Year, he holds a master’s degree in at-risk education from Lock Haven University. He is currently pursuing his doctor of education from Wilkes University.

“As many of us know, there is no place like the halls of McCaskey High School,” Reese said. “The opportunities for students are endless, and I am confident that, through collaboration with students, families, community members, and our distinguished staff, we will continue and grow that tradition of excellence.”