Superintendent

On November 1, 2021, Dr. Cathy L. Taschner officially joined the Schuylkill Valley School District as Superintendent of Schools. Originally from Chester County, Dr. Taschner has been a long-time resident of Berks County. Dr Taschner resides on a small farmette with her husband. They have horses, sheep, goats, chickens, two dogs, and two barn cats. They hope to someday own a mini donkey, a few steers, and a pig.

In her free time, Dr. Taschner enjoys working in her vegetable garden, riding and teaching others how to ride horses, playing piano, cooking her grandmother’s recipes, baking, and playing and watching sports. In addition, she likes to help in her brother’s auto body shop, attend events at the Fulton Theatre, and host weekend dinners for family and friends.

Dr. Taschner earned her bachelor’s degree in teaching at Messiah College (now Messiah University). She earned her first master’s degree in health and physical education at West Chester University and earned her second master’s degree and doctorate in educational leadership from Immaculata University. In addition to holding a superintendent’s letter of eligibility for the state of Pennsylvania, she also completed an additional two-year rigorous National Superintendent’s Certification program through the American Association of School Administrators (AASA).

Dr. Taschner began her career teaching in the Twin Valley School District. She went on to become an assistant principal before accepting the role of principal where she, as a co-principal, received the Nation TASH award for Principal of the year. During that time, Dr. Taschner was appointed to the Bureau Director’s Advisory Panel on Least Restrictive Environment (Gaskin’s Panel) by the Governor of Pennsylvania. She served on that statewide panel and as chairperson of the panel and the LRE committee.

Dr. Taschner has served as an assistant superintendent in several districts and as the superintendent of the Coatesville Area School District. While Dr. Taschner was serving in the Coatesville Area School District, the district received recognition from the National Council for Teacher Quality for its work in professional learning. She also was named Secondary Administrator of the Year by the YMWIC program, and Hometown Hero by the Chester County Futures.