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Christie Holderman, who was educated in the Juniata County School District, was appointed superintended of the district Tuesday.

MIFFLINTOWN — Who knew Christie Holderman was a superintendent of schools with a sense of humor?

When asked what her first order of business was after being named to the position, Holderman quipped, “I’m going to Disney!,” stealing the catch phrase typically attached to the Super Bowl’s Most Valuable Player.

“Just kidding,” she added quickly.

Leaving town is certainly the last thing on Holderman’s mind after being appointed as superintendent by the Juniata County School Board on Nov. 1. Her contract runs through June 30, 2027.

She had been serving as the school district’s assistant and substitute superintendent since Aug. 1, replacing Gary Dawson, who announced his resignation on July 27. Dawson held the position since Nov. 18, 2019, with Holderman as the assistant superintendent.

“Right now, I just want to give the district stability,” said Holderman, the sixth person to hold the position since 2014.

“I want to support and encourage our staff to continue giving their best to our students.

“I would like to be present more in the schools to see our classroom successes,” she added. “And I will continue to be available for questions and concerns.”

One of the questions her supporters — parents and teachers — had asked was why it took so long for the school board to hire Holderman permanently for the position, after she had served as interim superintendent several times over the years.

Holderman was just happy to have gotten the job.

“Thank you for your trust in me,” Holderman said graciously, acknowledging those who spoke out in her favor. “This job is more than just me. I hope to continue to make a positive impact here in our district and community.” Few individuals breathe and bleed Juniata County schools more than Holderman, who attended kindergarten through 12th grade in Juniata County schools. Her family’s lineage is also deeply rooted in the district.

“My dad was an educator for his entire career in this district,” Holderman explained. “My great uncle, Dr. Lloyd Showers, was the last county superintendent, and my grandfather, Hap Smith, served on the school board and worked as a custodian.”

Needless to say, Holderman plans to roll up her sleeves and get to work. This is the career that she had always longed for.

“I don’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be in education,” Holderman said. “Juniata County is my home. I love living here and am proud to work here.

“This community is both amazing and unique in many ways,” she added. “I have had the privilege of working with so many families over the years and understand the needs of our area through exposure from a variety of angles. I want to build on the foundation we have and work to grow and strengthen our schools to better our community.”

Holderman was encouraged and energized by the vocal support and trust of the community.

“It is very humbling,” she said.

One community member attended the special school board meeting just to offer well wishes even though he had never met Holderman in person before that evening.

As far as long-term projects are concerned, school safety and curriculum remain at the top of her list. Construction of a new secure vestibule entrance is currently underway at Juniata High School, with a price tag of $1.66 million.

“We continue to have projects that address school safety and security of our staff and students,” she said. “We continue to review and update our instructional practices and curriculum. We always are looking long-term to make sure we optimize our resources in the most effective way possible.”

Serving in an administrative capacity has afforded Holderman the opportunity to work alongside what she considers to be the district’s strength — its personnel and students.

“We have amazing personnel in the district and truly great families in our community,” Holderman said. “We have seen so much resilience over the last few years and our staff and students continue to be successful.

“We have strong support from our families and community through our Parent Teacher Organizations, Booster Clubs and activities,” she added. “We have dedicated administration, teachers and support staff that not only provide quality instruction, but also strive to improve the overall educational experiences for our students and their families. We have students who are involved in activities and are invested in becoming better each day. We have amazing people working ‘behind the scenes’ transporting students, feeding students, cleaning our schools, setting up for events and making our schools safe spaces for everyone.”

Of course, Holderman knows there are areas that need improvement.

“Change is necessary to see progress and over time we will be making some changes, which should ultimately increase efficiency and strengthen our district and build community relationships,” she said.

For now, Holderman is anxious to get started in her new official capacity as superintendent and enjoy the challenges that each day brings