Women’s History Month invites reflection on the people who shape our schools in ways that aren’t always visible, but always felt. This year, the School District of Lancaster is experiencing something that hasn’t happened in years. All three of the district’s association groups are currently led by women: the Lancaster Education Association, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and Leadership Team Lancaster, whom represent the administration.
It’s a moment worth recognizing, not just because of its rarity, but because of what it represents. The district is navigating a time filled with important conversations, real challenges, and a wide range of perspectives across our schools and departments. In moments like this, leadership matters in a different way. It requires people who understand that decisions don’t exist in isolation and that every voice carries weight. These leaders are guiding, advocating, and helping hold the district together through complexity.
Each of these associations represents a different part of the district’s foundation. Together, they reflect what it takes to support students every day. They represent teachers in classrooms, support staff who keep schools running, and administrators who lead buildings and systems. Their work intersects in ways that directly shape the daily experiences of students, families, and staff across the district.
Jeanne Good, president of AFSCME, leads with a focus on responsibility and action. Her work represents employees whose contributions are often behind the scenes but essential to the functioning of every school. From facilities and transportation to clerical and operational roles, her leadership ensures these voices remain part of the broader conversation.
“I never really thought about it being any different because I am a woman,” she shared. “To me, being in a role that represents so many people means understanding that the responsibility is bigger than the title. It’s about recognizing when there’s work that needs to be done and stepping forward to do it.”
Her words reflect a leadership style grounded in awareness and consistency. It’s not about recognition, but about showing up, listening carefully, and making decisions that reflect fairness and respect for the people she represents.
For Christina Rojas, president of the Lancaster Education Association (LEA), leadership happens at a different scale but with equal weight. Representing more than 1,000 employees across nearly 100 roles, her work centers on advocacy, protection of rights, and ensuring that educators have the support they need to do their jobs well.
“As president of the district’s largest bargaining unit, I take immense pride in being the elected leader of this incredible group,” she said. “I hold a deep responsibility to protect our collective bargaining rights and to lead with solidarity.”
Her leadership reflects both strength and intention. Across Pennsylvania, a majority of union members are women, and that representation shapes the conversations that happen at the bargaining table. Her work over the past year has included advancing changes that recognize the lived experiences of staff, including expanding bereavement language to include pregnancy loss. These decisions, while small in wording, carry meaningful impact for those they affect.
As the district continues through a period of active negotiations and uncertainty, her role remains focused on ensuring that educators have a clear and consistent voice in shaping what comes next.
Shaun Perez, president of Leadership Team Lancaster (LTL), represents administrators who are often balancing multiple roles at once. Their work connects district priorities to the day-to-day realities of running schools, supporting staff, and meeting the needs of students and families.
“Being a female leader of LTL means using my voice to advocate fiercely and collaboratively, navigating challenges with integrity and always keeping my focus on what’s best for students, families, and the collective strength of our staff throughout SDoL.”
Her leadership reflects the importance of perspective. Administrators are often positioned at the intersection of policy and practice, and her role ensures those realities are part of the broader conversations shaping the district.
Together, these three leaders represent different parts of the same system. Their work isn’t separate. It overlaps, influences, and strengthens the district as a whole. While their roles are distinct, their leadership is shared in its impact.
This moment also reflects something broader within the School District of Lancaster. Leadership across the district continues to be shaped by individuals who are willing to step forward, listen deeply, and advocate for others. The presence of women leading all three associations highlights how that leadership is evolving, not just in visibility, but in influence.
It’s visible in classrooms, where educators support and challenge students every day. It’s present in the work of support staff who create stability and consistency. It’s reflected in school leadership, where administrators make decisions that affect entire communities.
At a time when there are many questions across the district, this moment offers a reminder that leadership doesn’t need to be loud to be effective. It needs to be thoughtful, grounded, and focused on people.
Women’s History Month gives us a chance to recognize that leadership in a more intentional way. Not as something separate from the daily work of schools, but as something deeply connected to it.
And in this moment, across SDoL, that leadership is helping guide the district forward.