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The Importance of Economic Development in Education
The Importance of Economic Development in Education
As a superintendent, Jed Hamberger firmly believes that economic development is not just a community initiative but a cornerstone of educational success. Schools and communities are intrinsically linked, with the prosperity of one directly influencing the other. By fostering economic growth, he has worked to create opportunities that empower students, support families, and strengthen the local tax base, ensuring the sustainability of educational institutions.
For Jed, economic development in education is about more than infrastructure; it’s about equipping students with skills to thrive in the workforce, addressing inequities, and building partnerships that enhance access to resources. From ensuring reliable internet for remote learning to preparing students for high-demand careers, these initiatives drive long-term success for both students and the broader community.
As an educational leader, Jed views economic development as an essential strategy for fostering a thriving, resilient district that supports the academic, personal, and professional growth of all its members.
Expanding Fiber Internet for Educational Equity
Before the pandemic, Jed Hamberger spearheaded a transformative project to establish fiber internet services for the entire student population of the Oswayo Valley School District. By partnering with Tri-County Connections and the Potter County Economic Development office, he ensured that all students had access to high-speed internet. This initiative enabled the implementation of live-streamed instruction during the pandemic, ensuring uninterrupted learning for every student. The project not only bridged the digital divide but also positioned the district as a leader in educational innovation and technology accessibility.
Before the pandemic, Jed Hamberger spearheaded a transformative project to establish fiber internet services for the entire student population of the Oswayo Valley School District. By partnering with Tri-County Connections and the Potter County Economic Development office, he ensured that all students had access to high-speed internet. This initiative enabled the implementation of live-streamed instruction during the pandemic, ensuring uninterrupted learning for every student. The project not only bridged the digital divide but also positioned the district as a leader in educational innovation and technology accessibility.
Improving Connectivity in Shinglehouse
Recognizing the critical need for reliable communication, Jed Hamberger developed a partnership with Verizon to bring a cell tower to the town of Shinglehouse. Prior to this project, the town had no cell service, posing significant challenges for emergency services and law enforcement. This new infrastructure not only enhanced safety and response times but also contributed to the town’s economic growth by improving connectivity for residents and businesses. It was a vital step toward modernizing infrastructure in rural areas.
Recognizing the critical need for reliable communication, Jed Hamberger developed a partnership with Verizon to bring a cell tower to the town of Shinglehouse. Prior to this project, the town had no cell service, posing significant challenges for emergency services and law enforcement. This new infrastructure not only enhanced safety and response times but also contributed to the town’s economic growth by improving connectivity for residents and businesses. It was a vital step toward modernizing infrastructure in rural areas.
Workforce Development as Economic Growth
Workforce development became a key focus during Jed Hamberger's tenure, aligning educational opportunities with local economic needs to strengthen the tax base for the school district. He introduced career skills programs tailored to the needs of regional employers, creating pathways for students to secure high-demand jobs within the community. By leveraging ESSER funding from the COVID-19 relief packages, Jed eliminated existing budgetary costs while implementing these initiatives. This strategic approach not only enhanced career readiness for students but also increased local economic activity, boosting the district’s revenue and securing long-term fiscal stability.
Workforce development became a key focus during Jed Hamberger's tenure, aligning educational opportunities with local economic needs to strengthen the tax base for the school district. He introduced career skills programs tailored to the needs of regional employers, creating pathways for students to secure high-demand jobs within the community. By leveraging ESSER funding from the COVID-19 relief packages, Jed eliminated existing budgetary costs while implementing these initiatives. This strategic approach not only enhanced career readiness for students but also increased local economic activity, boosting the district’s revenue and securing long-term fiscal stability.
Fiscal Investments for Sustainable Growth
Through disciplined financial management and innovative use of resources, Jed Hamberger led efforts to create a $3.5 million surplus in reserve accounts during the pandemic. ESSER funding was strategically utilized to eliminate current budgetary costs, allowing the redirection of those funds into future investments. The surplus was invested in the Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust (PLGIT), yielding a return of approximately 4%. These sound fiscal practices ensured financial stability for the district while maximizing the return on investment, ultimately benefiting both students and taxpayers.
Through disciplined financial management and innovative use of resources, Jed Hamberger led efforts to create a $3.5 million surplus in reserve accounts during the pandemic. ESSER funding was strategically utilized to eliminate current budgetary costs, allowing the redirection of those funds into future investments. The surplus was invested in the Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust (PLGIT), yielding a return of approximately 4%. These sound fiscal practices ensured financial stability for the district while maximizing the return on investment, ultimately benefiting both students and taxpayers.
Early Childhood Education and Child Care Partnership
Early Childhood Education and Child Care Partnership
As an educational leader, Jed Hamberger has always believed that investing in early childhood education is one of the most impactful ways to support families and set children up for success. This belief led him to partner with the YMCA to establish a child care center hosted within the district. The center provides a safe, nurturing environment for children from birth to the start of pre-kindergarten, ensuring that even the youngest learners have access to quality education.
This initiative was designed with working families in mind, helping parents balance their professional responsibilities while knowing their children are receiving the care and educational support they need. By focusing on early education and development, the program enhances school readiness, reduces achievement gaps, and fosters lifelong learning.
For Jed, this partnership is about more than meeting a community need; it’s about empowering families and giving every child the opportunity to thrive from the very beginning of their educational journey.
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