Richard Schwarzman

Employer: Elizabethtown Area School District

Title: Assistant to the Superintendent for Support Services, Compliance, Safety, & Security

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?

The most rewarding part of my work is knowing that every student has access to the support they need to thrive. At Elizabethtown Area School District, we understand that students come to school for different reasons, each bringing their own motivations, challenges, and experiences. My team plays a vital role in putting systems in place that provide targeted interventions, break down barriers to learning and attendance, and create a sense of belonging so every student can fully engage in learning.

Through our support services efforts and our Culture of Belonging initiative, we strive to make sure students feel valued, supported, and empowered. We work closely with our academic team to ensure students have access to meaningful learning opportunities. At the same time, we focus on promoting emotional readiness by helping students develop the skills needed to succeed both in and out of the classroom. We also prioritize building strong connections within the community, creating a network of support that extends beyond school to help students thrive.

By doing so, we help students find purpose in their education and prepare them for success beyond graduation. This work isn’t just rewarding—it’s essential to every student’s growth and future success.

What is the greatest benefit of being a NAPSA member?

The greatest benefit of being a NAPSA member is the chance to connect with other professionals who understand the challenges we face. Networking with colleagues gives us access to real-world solutions, best practices, and a strong sense of camaraderie, knowing we’re all in this together. It’s invaluable to tap into the expertise of other schools and share what’s working for us, as it often leads to practical solutions that we can put into action right away. In support services, we don’t always have the luxury of time when students are in distress, so having quick access to a robust set of resources and support is crucial to responding effectively when it counts.