The CASD Education Exchange

In this episode, Superintendent Chris Bigger is joined by Michelle Holtry, Principal of Hamilton Heights Elementary, and Jennifer Drake, Principal of CAMS North, to discuss what makes their schools successful and how strong school culture contributes to student growth and achievement.Both Hamilton Heights and CAMS North have received multiple years of recognition from U.S. News & World Report, and the conversation explores the practices behind that success. Michelle and Jennifer discuss the importance of relationships, shared vision, staff leadership, classroom engagement, and creating school environments where students feel connected, supported, and ready to learn.

“In this episode of The CASD Education Exchange, Superintendent Chris Bigger speaks with Emily Goodine, Supervisor of Special Education (Grades 9–12), about how Chambersburg Area School District supports students through specialized instruction and expanded opportunities. Emily explains the range of services available across multiple programs and buildings, as well as the district’s collaboration with Career Tech to support vocational learning. She also highlights the success of Bocce Ball, which brings students together to build relationships, increase engagement, and create a more connected school experience.”

“In this episode, Superintendent Chris Bigger is joined by Gary Carter, Director of Safety to discuss how Chambersburg Area School District is strengthening safety and security across all schools. Gary shares how safety practices have evolved over the past seven years, including increased use of technology, expanded staffing, stronger partnerships with local law enforcement, and the implementation of threat assessment protocols. The conversation also addresses real challenges facing schools today, including mental health concerns and growing issue of vaping.”

“In this episode, Superintendent Chris Bigger is joined by Melissa Cashdollar, Director of Middle Level Grades 4–8, to discuss how CASD is planning for the future of grades 4–8 through two new schools and updated programming for students. Melissa shares how her experience as a longtime principal at CAMS South shaped her approach to this new districtwide leadership role. The conversation explores the vision for the future Chambersburg Area Intermediate School for grades 4–6 and the future Chambersburg Area Middle School for grades 7–8, including how schedules, teaming, and course offerings may evolve to better meet student needs.”

“In this episode, Superintendent Chris Bigger is joined by Anna Offutt, ESL teacher at Stevens Elementary, to discuss how Chambersburg Area School District supports students whose first language is not English. Anna explains how the district’s English as a Second Language program has changed over the past decade as the number of multilingual learners has nearly doubled, growing from approximately 700 students to more than 1,300 students representing 22 languages. She shares how ESL instruction works in elementary schools, what academic language development looks like, and why strong classroom supports benefit not only English learners, but many students overall.”

“In this episode, Superintendent Chris Bigger is joined by Drew Nelson, Director of Elementary Education PreK–3, to discuss how CASD is strengthening early literacy and building a foundation for student success. Drew shares his 19 years of experience in CASD and explains why early childhood education and reading by third grade are critical milestones. The conversation explores kindergarten readiness, structured literacy, the science of reading, and how the district is expanding training for teachers to ensure strong Tier 1 instruction in every classroom.”

“In this episode, Superintendent Chris Bigger is joined by Amber Myers, Intervention Specialist and longtime CASD educator, for an in-depth conversation about math instruction in today’s classrooms. Amber shares how math expectations have evolved over the past decade, including earlier exposure to concepts like fractions, a stronger emphasis on explaining thinking, and the importance of understanding why math works. The discussion addresses common parent questions about math strategies, fact fluency, and how current standards balance conceptual understanding with foundational skills.”

“In this episode of Education Exchange, Deb joins Superintendent Chris Bigger to discuss how CASD is reimagining the high school experience through academies, personalized learning, and expanded pathways that help students prepare for college, careers, and life after graduation.”