Salisbury Acting Superintendent Says Farewell

It was a bittersweet night for Salisbury Township School Board members Wednesday night as Acting Superintendent Louise Beauchemin said goodbye to her friends and colleagues.

After 13 years with the school district, Beauchemin is retiring. Her official last day is Oct. 12.

”When you are an employer of people, you hope to have people around who can answer the bell,” said board President Russell Giordano.

“Dr. Beauchemin answered it with her usual compassion, commitment and energy. She is not easily replaced,” he said.

Beauchemin expressed deep appreciation and gratitude towards the school board members, staff and community, her voice often choking with emotion.

“I want to express my gratitude towards the current and past school board members," Beauchemin said. She thanked former board member Debbie Miller, and current board members Tom Mantz and Mary Ziegler for their help as chairs of the curriculum committee.

“Since my arrival in 1999 at Harry S Truman, I have loved being a part of and serving this family and district. I have had an incredible 13-plus years. I am grateful beyond words.”

She thanked Assistant Superintendent Randy Ziegenfuss, from whom she learned a lot over the last six years, and her husband, Jack, whom she said has been a great mentor, friend and loyal supporter.

Beauchemin said in her time with the district she has tried to focus on literacy and literacy support and hopes the district will continue to succeed in these areas. She said the laptop initiative has helped change Salisbury’s learning environment in a positive way.

Beauchemin, who worked in the Allentown School District for many years, was hired in 1999 as principal of Harry S Truman Elementary School. She later went on to serve as assistant superintendent. Last spring, Beauchemin announced she would retire in October. After Superintendent Robert Gross' untimely death in May, Beauchemin was named acting superintendent.