As another school year comes to a close, we want to recognize three retiring principals who have been strong supporters and champions of the United Way Community School Model. Their leadership has helped create school environments where students, families, staff, and Community School Directors can work together to meet the unique needs of each school community.
This year, we celebrate:
- Mrs. Kathleen Farnham, Harding Elementary School
- Dr. Melissa Tomcho, Union City Elementary School
- Mr. Rob Causgrove, JoAnna Connell Elementary School
The partnership between a principal and a Community School Director is essential to the success of the Community School Model. Together, they help identify needs, build relationships, and create opportunities that support students and families both inside and outside the classroom.
Harding Elementary: Mrs. Kathleen Farnham
At Harding Elementary, United Way Community School Director, Shanna Potter reflected on the impact Mrs. Farnham has had on both her role and the school community.
Shanna described Mrs. Farnham as approachable, collaborative, and supportive. From the beginning, she fostered a true partnership, ensuring the Community School Model was fully integrated into the school's work. Whether helping turn ideas into reality or providing guidance and encouragement, Mrs. Farnham consistently made sure Shanna had the support she needed to be successful.
Mrs. Farnham has also been a strong advocate for the Community School Model as a whole.
“Our partnership helped reinforce that a Community School is not an extra program or support that Harding has, it is who we are,” shared Shanna.
Reflecting on Mrs. Farnham’s leadership, Shanna noted that she was always open to new ideas and created an environment where people felt supported while working toward shared goals for students.
As Mrs. Farnham begins her retirement, Shanna shared this message:
“Working with her has felt effortless. We always supported each other and shared a love for Harding that helped us navigate both the challenges and successes along the way. She struck the perfect balance of keeping me grounded while also encouraging my biggest ideas. I am incredibly grateful for her partnership, support, and friendship.”
Union City Elementary, Dr. Melissa Tomcho
At Union City Elementary School, United Way Community School Director, Bailey Pituch reflected on the lasting impact Dr. Melissa Tomcho has had on both the school and the Community School Model.
Bailey shared that Dr. Tomcho has been instrumental since the very beginning of Community Schools at Union City Elementary. Starting at the school around the same time, the two worked side by side to gather feedback, develop plans, and turn ideas into action. Throughout the years, Dr. Tomcho has supported every event, project, appreciation effort, school tour, and United Way engagement.
Dr. Tomcho's commitment to the Community School Model stems from her longstanding belief that students' basic needs must be met before learning can occur. She has consistently championed the idea of "Maslow Before Bloom," recognizing that supporting the whole child is essential to academic success.
According to Bailey, a strong partnership between a principal and Community School Director is critical because both play important leadership roles within the school. While the principal leads the building, the Community School Director helps coordinate programs, services, and opportunities that support students and families. Working together ensures everyone is moving toward the same goals.
Dr. Tomcho's impact extends far beyond the Community School Model. After more than three decades of service, she has taught and led generations of Union City families. Her commitment to building relationships with students and families has left a lasting mark on the school community. At one of the school's final events of the year, families lined up to take one last photo with the principal who had been such an important part of their children's lives.
As she prepares for retirement, Bailey shared this message:
“I've learned a lot from Dr. Tomcho over the years, both as a high school student in her History class and as a Community School Director working alongside her in our elementary building. She is a leader who will always do what's best for the students, families, and teachers she serves. Thank you is not enough, but somehow, that will have to do.”
JoAnna Connell Elementary, Rob Causgrove
At JoAnna Connell Elementary School, United Way Community School Director, Leann Sestak reflected on the impact Principal Rob Causgrove has had on both her role and the success of JoAnn Connell as a United Way Community School.
Leann shared that Mr. Causgrove provided the space and support for new ideas and embraced collaboration. He always trusted her vision for implementing new initiatives that would benefit students and families.
Mr. Causgrove's support for the Community School Model extended beyond individual programs. According to Leann, he understood that meaningful change takes time and consistently emphasized the importance of measuring progress through data and outcomes.
Leann noted that a strong partnership between a principal and Community School Director is essential to the success of the model. While Community School Directors are not district employees, they serve as key partners in supporting students, families, and staff.
Mr. Causgrove helped establish credibility for the role, provided valuable context about the school community, and helped anticipate challenges that could arise when implementing new ideas.
His leadership has had a lasting impact on the school community as well. Leann described Mr. Causgrove as a calm and steady presence, especially during times of change. His thoughtful approach to problem-solving and willingness to find answers and solutions helped create an environment where innovation and collaboration could thrive.
As he prepares for retirement, Leann shared this message:
“Thank you for your many years of service as both a teacher and administrator. Your leadership, support, and commitment to the students, families, and staff at JoAnna Connell have made a lasting difference.”
On behalf of United Way Community Schools, thank you to these principals for their leadership, partnership, and commitment to students and families. The impact they have made will continue to be felt in their school communities for years to come.