Schools

Parkland Officials Name Board Room for Retiring Superintendent

The school board surprised Louise Donohue with the honor Tuesday night.

The Parkland School Board bid an emotion-filled good-bye to Superintendent Louise E. Donohue at its meeting Tuesday night and delivered a surprise: the board officially named its conference room at the district administration building after her.

The board presented Donohue, who is , with a door name plate and plaque that will go up. Board President Jayne Bartlett said Donohue's name will serve as a constant reminder for district officials of how leadership should be exemplified.

The presentation capped a roundtable during which each board member personally addressed Donohue, commended her leadership and accomplishments over the past seven years, remarked on her ability to build relationships and wished her well in her new venture. It was Donohue's last board meeting as superintendent.

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She is joining Lehigh University as a professor of practice in the College of Education's Leadership program. In that full-time but flexible role, Donohue said she will teach, do administrative work and help supervise those training to be principals and superintendents.

Board Vice President Robert Cohen told Donohue that she made the district shine, setting standards that officials will rely on, even after her retirement. 

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"When you speak, it is with wisdom and compassion," he told her. "We have all learned from you, and we have learned life lessons."

Board member Debbie Evans said Donohue takes "immense pleasure" in watching other people grow to their full potential. "A good teacher's like a candle," she said. "It consumes itself to light the way for others."

As the board members spoke, Donohue's son Jamie, daughter-in-law Kelly and three grandchildren -- J.J., Danny and Frankie -- watched via computer from their home in Maryland. They loomed large on a screen set up in the meeting room. Donohue's daughter Kelsey and husband Jim were in the audience at the administration building. 

Board member Roberta Marcus lauded Donohue for what she said was her strength of character, optimism and poise. 

"She demands our respect and regard," Marcus said. "Louise knows she has made a difference. Thank you Louise, and we wish you the very, very best."

U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Lehigh Valley, presented Donohue with a certificate of recognition for her 35 years of service in public education. "Job well done," he said.

Donohue, 56, of Upper Macungie, began her career as a Spanish teacher, but moved from the classroom into administration by age 29. She joined Parkland in 1997 as assistant superintendent and became superintendent in 2004.   She has led the district through school expansions, redistricting and academic achievements.

Following the presentations, Donohue said she hopes she's remembered as a collaborative leader who focused on what's best for students. "I believe the team approach is the best way to get things done," she said.

Earlier in the day, Richard Sniscak was sworn in as Parkland's next superintendent before Lehigh County Judge William Ford, and Rod Troutman was sworn in as assistant superintendent. Donohue said her last day is Thursday.


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