BY SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

The Parkland School Board honored Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rod Troutman at the Aug. 16 meeting with appreciative comments and gifts after his 27 years in various administrative positions in the district.

After beginning his career as a social studies teacher in New Jersey for eight years, Troutman heard about an opening at Parkland from his best friend at Kutztown University.

In July 1995 at age 30, Troutman was hired as assistant principal for the high school.

During his time with the district, Troutman served as principal at Orefield and Springhouse middle schools, director of curriculum, and lastly as assistant superintendent.

Troutman recalls being a principal was very rewarding.

“I worked with really good teachers and got to know both students and parents,” said Troutman. “My favorite time at the district was as principal at the middle schools. You get to mold the students at that age. We had great groups of kids who went through.

“I learned from good, super administrators who were here at Parkland.”

He mentioned now retired Richard Sniscak, who also held numerous administrative positions in the district.

“Rich and I grew up together. We were hired in the same year.”

The two men worked side-by-side for several years as superintendent and assistant superintendent.

When Dr. Mark Madson was hired last year as superintendent, Troutman shared his experience with the district to help him get acclimated.

Madison commented on Troutman’s retirement.

“Rod will be missed at the professional and personal levels,” Madson said. “He cannot be replaced.”

Board members also offered kind words regarding Troutman.

President David Hein praised Troutman’s steadfast support for public education, staff and students.

“You have given so much to this district,” Vice President Carol Facchiano said, adding he’s not leaving the community, so we’ll see him around.

Marisa Ziegler added her thoughts.

“Rod always put students and teachers at the forefront of his work,” Ziegler said.

Rob Cohen spoke of Troutman’s commitment.

“Rod demonstrated commitment on a personal and professional level we should all strive for,” Cohen said.

Lisa Roth’s comment was similar.

“I personally strive to emulate his actions as much as possible,” Roth said.

Patrick Foose noted Troutman’s willingness to help.

“I’m truly going to miss your mentorship,” Foose said.

Solicitor Steven Miller commented on his relationship with Troutman.

“You and I have had a wonderful working relationship I cherish deeply.”

Troutman offered remarks.

“It was my pleasure to be here,” he said. “I’m going to miss it, but life goes on. I’ll miss every one of you.”

“As an administrator, I was never home. I missed out on a lot of my children’s younger years.

“Now I look forward to being a cabbie to take my granddaughter to nursery school.”

The board gave Troutman a raised bed garden and a clock which once hung in the conference room, where the board meets for executive sessions.

Marisa (Ziegler) took the numbers off and placed a picture of a school building at each one,” Troutman said. “It is a reminder of all the 12 schools I spent a lot of time in. “It’s super neat.”

Troutman said he looks forward to more family time with his wife, Jill, an art teacher in Pennridge School District; his daughter, Brooke, an attorney in Chicago; and his son Erik, project manager at Parkland School District.