3 minute read
Steadfast Servanthood | Dr. Andrea Berry
BY JONATHAN DESMARAIS | DIRECTOR, DOWNTOWN INC
For Dr. Andrea J. Berry, Superintendent of the York City Public School District, the challenges may be great, but the sources of motivation are even greater. She explains, “seeing the underdog, the students that people often give up on finding success is motivation for me.”
While not a native of York, Dr. Berry is proud to call York home. As a product of the Jersey City Public School District, she went on to pursue degrees at Cheyney University, Western Maryland University (now McDaniel College), and Argosy University. Prior to coming to York, she worked on the Eastern Shore of Maryland as an elementary teacher, principal, and district-level supervisor.
After being promoted from Assistant Superintendent to Superintendent three years ago, she has been able to advance positive change. Most noticeably, with the transition to virtual learning during the 2020-2021 school year, Dr. Berry instituted the district-wide Wellness Wednesdays initiative, turning school buildings into community hubs, offering families and students mental health services, social services, and even COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, with the support of community partners Family First Health and Communities in Schools, street teams were assembled by the District’s Pandemic Committee to provide in-person services to students and their families. This holistic approach reaped numerous benefits after the students returned to in-person learning this past school year.
Throughout her educational career, Dr. Berry has drawn inspiration from many women, but perhaps most significantly from famed American educator, writer, and civil rights activist, Mary McLeod Bethune. From her example, Dr. Berry learned that effective leadership requires a spirit of servanthood, felt from the heart and implemented by the hands.
While her job has not always been easy, Dr. Berry remains steadfast in her commitment to the students of York City who continually inspire her: “despite all of the obstacles, the trauma, and the tragedies that some of our families and students experience, the fact that they are so steadfast on being the best that they can be through it all; that’s motivational to me.”
The York County Economic Alliance is proud to celebrate the ongoing work of Dr. Berry and the York City School District, because after all, “You can’t hide….THAT BEARCAT PRIDE!”
