Deborah Hioutis: The Educator

BY JONATHAN DESMARAIS | MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Within only a few minutes of meeting her, it is easy to recognize that Deborah Hioutis is passionate about three things; supporting the English Learning (EL) students and families of the York City School District, equal access to resources across York County, and the empowerment of women. She truly is an agent of change in York County.

Before moving to York County as a high school senior, Hioutis spent time growing up in New York City, Michigan, and California. Along the way, Hioutis, who is of Peruvian descent and fluent in Spanish, was able to gain firsthand knowledge of the experiences that English Learners (EL) encounter in the public school system, that now informs her decision-making as the York City School District’s Special Programs Coordinator. Overseeing an office staff of three, numerous interpreters/translators, support staff, and educators, her day-to-day has more than its fair share of responsibilities, but she never loses sight of what she values the most; York City’s 1,700 EL students and their families.

Using a differentiated approach to learning, Hioutis works with each of the families and students to help them find success. Whether it’s the creation of a multi-language “how to” YouTube series at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing evening EL classes for parents, or the intentional hiring of office staff who are equipped to connect with the families on a personal level, her passion is clear.

For me, it’s all about empowerment− Empowerment of my students, their families, and women in our community, so that they all have a voice.

But her passion for supporting EL populations doesn’t stop at the city line. Hioutis has also provided support to families in neighboring school districts who have been left feeling unsupported. Long-term, she would love to see York develop a county-wide office in support of EL students and families, regardless of district.

Hioutis’s three grown daughters, ages 24, 21, and 19 are her pride and joy. Their driven and independent spirit is testament to her passion for empowering women. How did she do it? “Always pushing issues to uncomfortable levels,” she explains. Every year, she travels to Lima, Peru and also makes times to visit her family’s village of Mantaro, located 11,000 feet above sea level, to connect with her heritage, looking to pass it on to her three daughters.

Without a doubt, York County is a better place because of changemakers like Deborah Hioutis.