Patrick O'Toole, Upper St. Clair School District's superintendent, was named 2012 Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators.

Sharon Suritsky, assistant to the superintendent for curriculum and instruction and supervisor of special education, announced the award at the school board meeting on Monday night.

"This is a huge honor and recognition," she said.

Suritsky nominated O'Toole for the award in a "rigorous process that started six months ago."

According to a news release, Suritsky included examples of O'Toole's administrative reorganization plan to foster a K-12 perspective for programing and creating an intensive, year-long leadership training program for his administrative team. She also wrote about O'Toole's strategic plan that incorporated high-reaching goals with a clear focus on the needs of students and a definite emphasis on preparing students for their ever-changing, future world.  

O'Toole said the award recognizes the district's focus on leadership and personal development.

"The award says a lot about our school district, students, staff and community," O'Toole said. "It's another sign of the value we place in education and leadership.

"People in this district understand that being successful requires more than just knowledge. We teach interpersonal skills, integrity, collaboration.

"We can't lose focus during these tight budget times and become slaves to standardized tests."

"It's an honor not only for yourself, but for the district. You prepare children not to just pass a test, but prepare them for the future," said Barbara Bolas, vice president of the school board.

O'Toole said the award also takes into account the district's LEED certification with the middle school renovations and its willingness to accept and address the current financial challenges.

"Thank you for your perseverance, your personal integrity, willingness to listen and feedback. You've done so much to make us a high-collaborating organization," said Angela Petersen, school director.

Dr. O'Toole is now in the running to become the 2012 National Superintendent of the Year.

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