District welcomes new administration

This school year saw many changes to the administration. Mrs. Natalie Carter and Mrs. Maribeth Lyles will serve as assistant principals for grades 9 and 11, and 10 and 12, respectively; Mr. Joe Vogler is returning as the Supervisor of Athletics; and Mr. Eric Peoples is the new Dean of Students. Additionally, Dr. Tim Hoffman is the new superintendent for the district, and Mr. Pat Crater is now the Principal of the high school.

Dr. Hoffman is ready to step into his new role. “I’ve always known I wanted to [be superintendent],” said Hoffman. “I’m excited to see the district through a different lens.” This is his fourteenth year working in the district, having previously served as the Assistant Superintendent, the middle school Principal, and the Director of Curriculum. Dr. Hoffman has three daughters attending schools in the district. He says he is excited to meet a variety of people this school year.

Dr. Hoffman has several ideas for the community, including making sure the students have a strong math base early on, helping kids read grade-level material, and ensuring algebra readiness. He also plans to improve college and career readiness, such as creating job shadowing and dual enrollment opportunities for students. “College is a huge financial investment in your future and it’d be good [if] you're…going in a direction where you…have some exposure in,” he said.

Outside of the district office, Dr. Hoffman enjoys the outdoors and hiking. He grew up on an island in Baltimore, Maryland, and he loves sports, especially baseball and basketball. He described himself as “a huge believer in public education,” saying it played a key role in his journey from poverty to his current position.

Mr. Pat Crater has taken over the position of high school principal. This year marks his ninth year in the district, having been the Supervisor of Athletics, the Director of Student Activities, and the Title IX Coordinator. Highlights in his career include helping to create the UCFSD Portrait of a Graduate, partnering with Longwood Gardens to write educational programs, and leading the process of changing the high school’s mascot.

Mr. Crater is looking forward to interacting with all the students and staff this year. “[I envision Unionville] as a place that students can feel safe, where students will be inspired to learn, [and] where students. . .feel like they belong,” he said. He adds that staff and parents should also be “supported, appreciated, and valued.” Similar to Dr. Hoffman, he plans to develop new opportunities for students to explore future college and career paths.

Outside of high school, Mr. Crater enjoys kayaking and is a big fan of the Phillies baseball team. He has a large family, including eight siblings and two children, with whom he is very close. “Where I come from is who I’m trying to be for our students and staff,” said Mr. Crater. “I want to be a hard worker and lead with compassion and kindness.”