Joseph Malak

With 32 years in Freeport Area School District, Superintendent Joseph Malak has come to consider the school a family rather than an institution. He boasts about the dedicated staff of teachers who are willing to go the extra mile. Many volunteer their time after school to help with tutoring. Also, Dr. Malak recognizes and welcomes the support of people in the community. He said the school board makes every effort to "make things right for the sake of the kids." And he notes that, in return, the students have a lot of respect and there is no vandalism at Freeport.

Dr. Malak explained that the programs that make Freeport Schools exceptional begin at the Kindergarten level. If a child experiences learning difficulties, the district takes preventative action early on to help the child overcome those challenges. The Kindergarten offers extended school days for anyone requiring additional developmental help. There are two programs that help promote reading skills, the "Read to Succeed Program," which meets in the summer and after school with volunteer staff members, and "Title One," which is a program for students with reading deficiencies. The teachers are able to use a software program called Classworks to help them identify an individual's needs. Also, in the elementary school, there is a program called Instructional Support Team (IST) and in the high school there is Secondary Instructional Support (SIS). Both of these programs identify student weaknesses and employ strategies for improvement involving parental support and involvement.

For its excellence in education and other programs, Freeport Area School District has received several awards and recognitions. In 1997 the school won The National Blue Ribbon Award, sponsored by the Federal Department of Education. Thousands of schools across the nation compete each year, and that year, Freeport was one of the 168 winning schools. This district has also been recognized in the top ten of a Pitt and Penn State study as a "Model Tech School."

The past three years, Dr. Malak has served Freeport Schools as the Superintendent. His heart is truly dedicated to the students, faculty, and parents in this district. Even though there is no requirement, he chose to live in this district because he believes it is one of the finest in Pennsylvania. He feels his obligation to the students deeply and has a great desire to see the district be the best it possibly can. This whole package makes for an extraordinary school district and pleasant educational environment.