Ed.D. and Superintendent Program Student Julie Franczyk Promoted to Assistant Superintendent at Chartiers Valley

Meet Julie Franczyk '24

Job Title & Employer: Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Chartiers Valley School District
Majors/Programs: Leadership and Administration-Ed.D., Superintendent Letter of Eligibility
Hometown: Uniontown, Pa.; Laurel Highlands High School
Now Living In: Washington, Pa.
Hobbies & Interests: Spending time with family, reading, being outdoors and traveling

“Julie Franczyk has become an integral part of the administration team at Chartiers Valley. Her team approach and forward thinking assist in providing the district opportunities that may not have previously been available. Having a central office administrator with such educational focus is reassuring for me as superintendent.”

Dr. Johannah Vanatta, superintendent, Chartiers Valley School District

"I recommend Point Park for its individualized approach to learning and flexibility in completing coursework. As a parent working a full-time, demanding career, an online option coupled with instructors who provide support and meaningful feedback has been critical to my success in the program."

Julie Franczyk '24

You were recently promoted to the role of Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. What does this promotion mean to you, and what do you hope to contribute?

This promotion opens up new opportunities for me to help others. This role will allow me to serve the Chartiers Valley School District beyond the walls of my school. I’ve grown to love Chartiers Valley over the past four years, and I am very proud to be part of a district with an unwavering commitment to students. There are so many wonderful things already happening in our schools, and I see the potential for so much more. It’s always been my goal to create an environment where children love to learn and teachers love to teach! This new role gives me the chance to serve the district in greater capacity.

How have Point Park's Superintendent Letter of Eligibility and Ed.D. programs facilitated your professional and personal growth?

The superintendent program has given me the opportunity to complete a practicum with a current superintendent, providing valuable, hands-on work experiences. It has fully immersed me into the roles and responsibilities that come with district-level leadership.

The Ed.D. program has provided me with coursework, discussions and practicum experience that truly focus on and foster my leadership knowledge and development. It has been a springboard for my career. I am able to take what I learn each week and apply it to my daily interactions and tasks. I have learned to be more organized, focused and intentional about my time and priorities. It’s amazing what I can accomplish when I know there is a hard deadline on an assignment or a work-related project, and I want to make sure I am available to my family.

How has Point Park prepared you to take on your new role?

I've gained real-world experience through working in the field while simultaneously learning what it means to be a leader in education. With my superintendent practicum and my previous role as a building principal, I have been able to put my coursework into action every day. The reflection and individualized feedback from professors has been key in helping me grow. These combined experiences have prepared me to move into my new role.

I have learned how to be a leader who serves others authentically and to reflect on my practice and interactions to move others and my organization forward together. Leading is about having a common vision, common goals and prioritizing how we will come together to meet and sustain those goals for our students.

Which faculty have had a significant impact on your Point Park experience?

Each instructor I have interacted with at Point Park has given me actionable feedback that has benefited my coursework and leadership. I especially appreciate the time Linda Hippert, Ed.D., spent answering my questions and discussing my progress towards my superintendent letter of eligibility. The faculty encourages interacting with current leaders in education, too, a practice which has made a profound impact on me. I have enjoyed learning from the experience of others and applying their knowledge and expertise to my own leadership growth.

Why would you recommend Point Park to prospective students?

I recommend Point Park for its individualized approach to learning and flexibility in completing coursework. As a parent working a full-time, demanding career, an online option coupled with instructors who provide support and meaningful feedback has been critical to my success in the program. I know exactly what is expected of me in each course and can plan out my weeks to meet the course demands while also balancing my personal and professional life.

Ed.D. Graduate Assistant Tina Cafasso, ABD, contributed to this story.