Superintendent's Message

Mike V graphic
Dear Windber Area Schools Students, Staff, Parents, and Community Members,
 
As your Superintendent, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this incredible community. Over my time here, I have had the privilege of deepening my connection with our students, staff, and families, and I am proud to call Windber my home. My wife, a graduate of Windber Senior High School, and I, along with our four children and extended family, are fully invested in the Windber Area School District. The success and growth of our schools are personal to me, and I remain truly honored to serve this community that has given me so much for over two decades.
 
Since joining this district, I have been continually inspired by the collaboration, dedication, and shared commitment to excellence that defines Windber. The support and warmth I’ve received have reinforced what I already knew: Windber is a remarkable place with passionate students, committed families, and a community that truly cares.
While Windber Area School District has long been recognized for its tradition of quality education, we are committed to continuous growth and improvement. Together, we will build on Windber Pride, aligning our efforts strategically to meet the evolving demands of education and ensure that every student is prepared for the future.
 
Looking ahead, we will refine our vision for the district. Our goal remains the same: to provide a high-quality education for every child in every classroom, every day. By working together, we will continue to push the boundaries of excellence and set new standards for our schools.
 
As your Superintendent, I firmly believe that every child can succeed, and it is our responsibility to provide the education and support they need to achieve their dreams. Windber will continue to be a place where students are not only challenged and prepared but also cared for and empowered to pursue their aspirations. We are dedicated to developing pathways tailored to each student’s goals and fostering a growth mindset built on the understanding that passion and perseverance lead to success.
 
I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our outstanding teachers, counselors, administration, and staff. They continue to create a culture that puts students first, and I firmly believe our district’s success is driven by these incredible people. We are fortunate to have a team of educators committed to ensuring the best outcomes for your children.
 
Our focus remains on student growth, safety, and engagement. We believe in fostering environments where students are encouraged to take risks, embrace challenges, and grow from their experiences. Our vision for education is centered on the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world: problem-solving, communication, collaboration, creativity, and compassion, among others. We will always prioritize the needs of the whole child over test scores.
 
As always, I encourage you to reach out to me or any member of our team with questions, concerns, or suggestions. I am excited about the future and look forward to the great things we will accomplish together, continuing to build on the Windber Pride that unites us all. Our mission remains clear: to ensure that every student is loved, challenged, and prepared for a bright future.
 
Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to all that we will achieve together.
 
Sincerely,
 
Mr. Michael J. Vuckovich