Bucktail Takes a Hit: Tyler Barth Says Goodbye
FARWELL – Tyler Barth was only at the Bucktail school complex for a year and a half but by all accounts made a most positive impact. And now the product of the Keystone Central School District is leaving for an administrative position in the Williamsport Area School District.
Barth’s last day as assistant principal in Farwell is this today. On Friday he begins his new position at assistant principal at Andrew Jackson Primary School in Williamsport.
Barth clearly did not want to leave his post at Bucktail but with massive district-wide cutbacks looming, he was unable to get a firm answer as to whether his job slot would fall victim to the program and staffing cuts looming in the Keystone Central district (at last report the assistant principal’s position was still on the district chopping block).
Barth could not get a definitive answer from Keystone Central, operating without a lead administrator since the first of the year. So when the opportunity from Williamsport presented itself, he took the job.
He explained to therecord-online his decision-making process:
“I don’t want anyone thinking I was forced out of KCSD, or that I blame any single person for my time being up in KCSD. The move to Williamsport was one of personal choice and a decision that was ultimately decided upon with my family. The move to Williamsport fits my professional and personal needs at this time in my life and I could not ask for a better opportunity at this time. I want to thank (WASD’s) Dr. Bowers and the Williamsport team for their support in this process. I would also like to thank (KCSD Human Resources Director) Che Regina, the (KCSD) HR Department and (Bucktail Prinicipal) Betsy Dickey for working with me and the Williamsport administration in establishing a smooth transition from KCSD to WASD.”
“There was quite a bit of uncertainty surrounding the direction KCSD would move with their administrative staff (among other areas) and to nobody’s fault, I could not get a definite answer on the future of my employment. I am beyond blessed to have had the experience of being a part of the Renovo/Bucktail schools and the greater Renovo community. I truly believe I had the greatest job in the world while at Bucktail and I will miss being with those kids that made it so enjoyable.”
Barth will be missed. Ask Bucktail principal Dickey:
“It has been terrific having Tyler on the campus of Renovo Elementary and Bucktail MS/HS. He brought a great energy and was excellent when dealing with students, staff and athletics. He will be greatly missed, by myself, the staff and this community. We know he will bring the same dedication and FUN to his new position in Williamsport. Best Wishes Tyler!”
And from longtime Bucktail teach/football coach Bruce Ransom:
“Tyler is way ahead of his years as an administrator. He has helped create a very genuine, professional work environment along with a compassionate relationship with our student body. Many people may have the view of him focusing on the student athlete BUT that couldn’t be further from the truth. He has been committed to the success of our students, school and community. Everything is better because of his time here. In a perfect world he would simply stay here and continue to make Bucktail a great place.”
Barth was asked about the future of Keystone Central, given the current turmoil:
“I am concerned for the future of KCSD, but not because I doubt its potential. I am concerned because it will always be home to me and I have two kids who will go to school here (the Barths reside outside Lock Haven). We have excellent people in place in KCSD and there are good things to come. Things are not great right now, but we will rebound and things will start to improve day by day. I look forward to the community restoring its faith in KCSD and the tremendous teachers and staff that work here. I encourage the community to get involved and stay involved. Check out your sources and seek absolute truths before passing judgment on people, programs or processes. Things aren’t perfect, but there are a lot of great things going on in KCSD.”
Barth’s answers were in response to written questions from therecord-online. Below are additional responses:
Education:
“I graduated from Central Mountain in 2004, Lycoming College in 2008 and obtained my master’s degree/principal certification from California University of PA in 2014. I started subbing in KCSD immediately upon graduating from Lycoming in April, 2008. This would have been my 9th year working in the Keystone Central School District.”
Family info:
“I married my incredible wife, Rachel, in July 2011. She teaches 3rd grade at Salladasburg Elementary and we have a beautiful 3-year-old daughter at home and we are expecting a baby boy around the beginning of March. Life is good!”
KCSD positions:
“I was hired as a long-term sub position in 2009 as a K-5 classroom-size reduction teacher at Sugar Valley Elementary and then I was permanently hired in 2010 as a K/1 teacher at Dickey Elementary. After two years at Dickey, I then spent four years teaching 1st grade at Liberty-Curtin Elementary before entering administration in July 2016.”
“I was hired to be the assistant principal at Renovo Elementary/Bucktail Area Middle & High School in the summer of 2016. I also served as the supervisor of athletics while at Bucktail. Another experience I truly enjoyed while in KCSD was being an assistant coach with the Central Mountain baseball team from 2008 through the spring of 2016.”
Future plans:
“My focus is now on the Williamsport Area School District and Andrew Jackson Primary School. I have a lot to learn, but I also have a lot to offer and can’t wait to get started. I also plan to continue my education and work towards my doctorate in education.
“The interactions with kids, parents and the community as an administrator have been the most rewarding days of my professional career. I love being an administrator and plan to remain in an administrative role as long as I am blessed to do so.”
And therecord-online gave Barth an opportunity for a final word:
“Lastly I would just like to say, “Thanks!” There are many people in this community and school district that have been so influential in my life. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my experiences in KCSD, as a student and as a professional. In parting I’d like to remind everyone of something my dad (retired KCSD teacher Bob Barth) told me when I first got hired here…”They have to know how much you care, before they care how much you know.” I care a lot about KCSD and wish everyone the best moving forward.
