Norristown, PA - Today, Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin visited the Norristown Area School District (NASD) to formally welcome educators and staff back to school during the district opening ceremony.
“Educators across the Commonwealth never fail to inspire us,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “We recognize that the work is not always easy, but we are grateful for each and every one of you, and appreciate your commitment and dedication to your students, colleagues, and school communities. Thank you for all you do to support, shape, and mentor Pennsylvania’s future leaders and changemakers.”
The district opening ceremony is a chance for all educators and staff – administrators, middle management, professional staff, and support staff alike – to start the year by promoting positivity, optimism, camaraderie, and togetherness.
“We are honored to welcome Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid Mumin to be part of the Norristown Area School District's opening ceremony for the 2023-2024 school year,” said Christopher Dormer, Superintendent of Schools. “I am thankful that Dr. Mumin is here to help us welcome our staff and start our year with inspiration, positivity, and optimism as we ready ourselves to serve our students, families, and members of this great community.”
This year’s ceremony will be the district’s sixth ceremony, including a virtual ceremony in the fall of 2020 when the school year began fully virtual and remote. NASD’s opening ceremonies have consistently featured the talents of students, who graciously attend and perform the week before the start of their school year, as well as the musical talents of staff, both live and through prepared video features. “Each year, we deliberately take time to celebrate all staff members, the successes of the past year, and the journey that lies ahead,” said Dormer.
The 2023-24 school year will begin not long after Governor Shapiro signed a bipartisan budget that makes good on his promises to make historic investments in students and schools. Thanks to this budget, Pennsylvania will spend $10 billion on K-12 public education funding for the first time, including $567 million in basic education funding, a $50 million increase in special education funding, a $46.5 million increase in funding to provide universal free breakfast to 1.7 million public school students and free lunch to eligible students, and more.