School District of Lancaster assistant superintendent Matthew Przywara is stepping down to take the helm of a non-profit behavioral health services organization in Chester County.
CCRES is a non-profit organization in Chester County, whose board approved Przywara’s appointment on July 18. The organization partners with intermediate units, school districts, and behavioral health programs to provide staff working with children and adults with behavioral health and specialized needs.
“Special education is a passion of mine, and I am acutely aware of the need for qualified professionals in the education industry,” Przywara said. “I am excited about the opportunity to lead an organization working to support students, adults, schools and communities across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and one very close to my home.”
Przywara started in 2007 at SDoL as business manager and one year later was appointed as SDoL’s chief of finance and operations. He twice served as acting superintendent, including during the 2022-2023 school year. He was a finalist for the permanent position, which ultimately went to Dr. Keith Miles.
“Matt obviously leaves large shoes to fill,” Dr. Miles said. “His leadership impact spanned our district for almost two decades, especially in the areas of business operations and finance, where he leaves the district on a firm foundation at a time when so many other organizations are struggling. While I will miss working with Matt, I congratulate him and have full confidence that he will continue to be successful on this new and impactful venture.”
In his tenure, Przywara said he’s most proud of leading the district through a massive project to renovate or replace all district schools, the final phase of which is underway this year. He’s also proud to have been part of the district’s successful 10-year legal fight for fair funding for public education in Pennsylvania. In March, Przywara received the prestigious Gary E. Reeser Memorial Award for lifetime achievement from the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials.
“This is a bittersweet moment in my life,” Przywara said. “The School District of Lancaster has been my home and my passion for these 17 years, and the honor of my career to date is serving the district as acting superintendent.”
When it hired Dr. Miles, the SDoL school board created Przywara’s position as assistant superintendent to take advantage of his unique skills. Dr. Miles said the district and school board will work closely in the coming days and weeks to evaluate the position before posting.