A significant leadership change is underway in Erie’s Public Schools, marking a new chapter for the region’s largest school district. Superintendent Brian Polito is officially stepping down from his role, making way for Dr. Natalyn Gibbs to take the helm. This transition follows a period of overlap between the two leaders, ensuring a smooth handoff of responsibilities.

Superintendent Brian Polito leaves behind a legacy of transformative work during his tenure. One of his most notable achievements was guiding the district out of a severe financial crisis. Polito worked tirelessly to secure equalized state funding, which was critical to stabilizing the district’s finances. Reflecting on his time in the role, Polito stated, “The financial crisis really devastated every one of our departments, and we spent a lot of time over the last several years rebuilding those and putting best practices in the district. So we’ve created a great foundation for the district, and I’m excited to see what Dr. Gibbs is going to do with it next.”

In addition to addressing financial challenges, Polito spearheaded significant infrastructure improvements. His “Warm, Safe, and Dry” initiative focused on upgrading facilities to ensure a better environment for students and staff. This included major investments at Erie High School, enhancements to its sports facilities, and the construction of a brand-new Edison Elementary School. Polito now moves on to serve as the Executive Director of the new CRIZ Authority.

Dr. Natalyn Gibbs, the district’s new superintendent, has already begun her work with a hands-on approach. She has been visiting every school in the district, conducting listening and learning sessions with faculty, administrators, and support staff. These sessions are designed to foster open communication and ensure that all voices are heard. “We know that it’s really, really important for all individuals to be seen, to be heard, to be valued,” Dr. Gibbs explained. “The listening and learning sessions are really about amplifying the voices of all stakeholders.”

Dr. Gibbs has outlined a three-pronged mission for her leadership. Her goals include leveraging wraparound supports for students, strengthening core academic areas such as reading, math, and science, and enhancing workforce development initiatives. She is also focused on improving graduation rates and enriching the overall educational experience for students. “It’s equally important for us to continue to build on reading, math, science, as well as workforce development, all in improving our graduation rates but also overall our student educational experiences,” she said.

As part of her first 100 days in office, Dr. Gibbs plans to expand her listening and learning sessions to include parents, community members, and business leaders. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the district’s future direction aligns with the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders.

For updates on Dr. Gibbs’ initiatives and other district news, the community is encouraged to follow the Erie’s Public Schools Facebook page and website. Additionally, an extended conversation with both Brian Polito and Dr. Natalyn Gibbs will be featured on the *Insider Public Affairs Program*, hosted by Lisa Adams, this weekend.