The Office of the Superintendent

Hello Spartans –

The start of a new school year always brings excitement, energy, and a renewed sense of purpose. As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, I want to welcome our students, families, faculty, staff, and community back to North Schuylkill.

This year, our district theme is “Turn It Up.”

“Turn It Up” represents our commitment to raising the level of everything we do. It is about increasing expectations, building on our strengths, supporting one another, and continuing to move North Schuylkill forward.

Our focus this year will center on three district goals.

Turn Up Rigor. We will continue strengthening both general and special education by raising academic expectations and providing students with the support they need to be successful. We believe our students are capable of great things, and our responsibility is to challenge them, support them, and create opportunities for them to grow.

Turn Up Safety. We will continue investing in our facilities, school safety practices, mental health services, and student support programs. Students learn best when they feel safe, supported, and connected to their school, and we remain committed to creating that environment every day.

Turn Up Organizational Excellence. We will continue working to strengthen accountability, leadership, communication, teamwork, efficiency, and financial responsibility throughout the district. Every employee and every department plays an important role in creating the best possible experience for our students.

But “Turn It Up” is also about the energy we bring to North Schuylkill.

Turn up the effort.
Turn up the expectations.
Turn up the support.
Turn up the enthusiasm.
Turn up the school spirit.

And most importantly, turn up the pride in being a Spartan!

A new school year gives all of us a fresh opportunity to set goals, challenge ourselves, build relationships, and make a difference. I encourage our students to get involved, work hard, try something new, and take advantage of the many opportunities available to them. I also want to thank our families, faculty, staff, Board of Education, and community for the continued support they provide our schools and students.

There is a great deal to be excited about as we begin another year together. Stay connected with us throughout the school year on Facebook at North Schuylkill School District (opens in new window) and on X (formerly Twitter) at @NorthSchuylkill (opens in new window) for district news, announcements, celebrations, and important updates.

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school or feel free to reach out to me directly at rackell@northschuylkill.net.

Welcome back, North Schuylkill.

Spartans, it is time to TURN IT UP!

With Spartan Pride,
Dr. Robert J. Ackell,
Superintendent of Schools