Who will serve as the next superintendent of the Brookfield schools?

The Brookfield Central School District in New York has selected Thomas Butler as its next superintendent, effective August 1. The school board unanimously approved his appointment during a special meeting on June 1. Butler currently serves as the executive director of Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8, a nonprofit organization supporting nearly three dozen rural school districts in Bedford, Somerset, Cambria, and Blair counties in Pennsylvania. Butler brings over three decades of experience in rural education, including roles as a social studies teacher, school counselor, high school principal, and superintendent for the Ridgway Area and Penn-Trafford school districts. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Penn State University, with research focused on rural schools and community relationships. The Brookfield school board praised Butler’s leadership qualities, emphasizing his alignment with the community’s values and his commitment to ensuring students graduate with clear career paths. A Meet-and-Greet event will be scheduled for the public to meet Butler before the school year begins. Butler’s appointment follows a period of transition, as Ronald Wheelock served as interim superintendent since last year after the board reached a separation agreement with Ron Pavlus, who was hired in 2023. Jim Plows previously led the district for eight years before Pavlus. Intermediate units like Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 provide services such as special education, online learning, professional development, and administrative support to school districts across Pennsylvania.