On March 20, Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty was appointed Manheim Township School District’s new Superintendent under a five year contract. She comes to the district with a plethora of experience. After influentially serving as the Executive Director of Student Services in District #89 in Chicago and the Superintendent of the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) in Wisconsin, Dr. Pate-Hefty is ready and excited to advance the Manheim Township community.

Upon her appointment, Dr. Pate-Hefty created a 100-day entry plan to be used as a roadmap for the beginning of her time as superintendent. The 100-day entry plan emphasizes four areas of focus: community engagement; assessment of current district goals, culture, systems and operations; building relationships with key stakeholders; and communication and transparency. As the 100 days come to an end, this plan has provided Dr. Pate-Hefty with a comprehensive overview of the district and the key areas she will place an emphasis on in the coming years.

“My job as a leader is to walk alongside the people servicing our students (our staff) and watch for how we are creating replicable systems that support them, in supporting our students,” said Dr. Pate-Hefty.

Thus, it can be seen that Dr. Pate-Hefty’s passions lie in aiding students and staff. After being adopted out of foster care at a young age, Dr. Pate-Hefty strives to be an advocate for all. She recognizes how each student comes from a different background that influences their learning processes. Therefore, her goal is to serve as a representation of the diverse backgrounds of all to whom she leads.

Manheim Township School District and its students and staff are excited for Dr. Pate-Hefty’s term and how she will positively impact the school and its community.