Erin Waugaman’s succession of current Superintendent Katy Pude was duly approved during Monday evening’s meeting of the Bradford Area School District Board of Education.

Waugaman is currently the district’s director of curriculum and instruction.

Board President Shane Oschman expressed his appreciation to the board for the members’ hard work and thoughtfulness that went into their decision. The board voted unanimously for Waugaman.

“It was clear to me and others that she is passionate about our students, our team and our community,” Oschman said. “She has a vision to recognize our past accomplishments and address any shortcomings.

“I congratulate Erin and I look forward to seeing her work in her new role.”

Pude said, “There is no candidate better suited at this time. A stressful position shouldn’t be entered into lightly or for any of the wrong reasons, and Erin genuinely loves the Bradford Area School District.

“She is someone who I’m certain will hold the needs of our students at the forefront of every decision she makes.”

For her part, Waugaman said, “I am honored.”

Waugaman, an Eldred native, is a graduate of Clarion University. She began her career in education at the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, teaching second grade.

“When it was time to start a family, I knew that I wanted to come back to the area,” she remembered. “Luckily, Bradford offered me an elementary teaching position, and this is where I have been ever since.”

Waugaman credits the mentorship of Pude and School Street Elementary Principal Sarah Tingley for nudging her now 20-year BASD career on an administrative path.

“Mrs. Pude and Mrs. Tingley encouraged me to pursue my administrative certificate, which I did more than 15 years ago,” Waugaman recalled.

Her first administrative position was as assistant principal at School Street where, she said, Tingley “taught me to always put the students first and that every student needs to feel loved and cared for in order to learn.”

She then moved to GGB Elementary where she worked alongside David Jones before becoming principal.

“My background is in early childhood education … there is so much growth that happens between birth to 8 years old,” Waugaman noted. “I was honored to lead in a building where all the staff members had the same passion and love for children. They dedicate countless hours to their profession and put their hearts and souls into the students.”

She was promoted to her current role overseeing curriculum and instruction in 2020 and obtained her letter of eligibility for superintendent. Waugaman further pointed out that Pude was instrumental in preparing Waugaman for this role “by serving as an exceptional mentor and guide” and involving her in district matters in ways that have “broadened (her) understanding and strengthened (her) skills.”

“Katy leads by example,” Waugaman said, “embodying the qualities of a positive role model through her unwavering integrity, optimistic attitude and wealth of knowledge.”

Waugaman said she is ready to build on positive progress going on districtwide, with a strong administrative team already in place, and feels like she has been set up for success.

“Our district is in a great position,” Waugaman declared. “The current administration has been fiscally responsible while ensuring that our students have everything that they need. Our buildings are in excellent condition. We have completed many projects over the last several years and there is a five-year plan to ensure that this continues.

“For our students, we have strong academic programs. We offer AP and dual enrollment courses, we have our own Career and Tech program, and our own student-run manufacturing company. We have students in the workforce completing co-op programs. This doesn’t include all the extracurricular programs and activities that we offer. Bradford is a good place to be,” she observed.

“By fostering collaboration, encouraging innovation and prioritizing the needs of our students, I aim to create an environment where everyone — students, staff and families — feels supported and empowered to succeed.”