After 13 years as superintendent, Superintendent Frank Gallagher is preparing to retire, leaving behind a legacy of community connections and a whole-child policy to uphold.
Throughout his time at Souderton, Gallagher worked to implement a range of policies aiming to provide better opportunities for students and staff.
“Some of my goals were full-day kindergarten, which we have now, and increasing mental health support for all students. That was critical for me, and we’ve done that,” Gallagher said.
For Gallagher, many of these initiatives have been a source of pride for himself and the community, such as the construction initiatives on Indian Valley and Indian Crest Middle Schools and E. Merton Crouthamel, Salford Hills and West Broad Street Elementary Schools.
“I’m proud of the construction projects, because one thing about Souderton is we take pride in our facilities,” Gallagher said.
Prior to his tenure as superintendent, Gallagher was the principal of Lower Salford Elementary School and the school district’s director of pupil services and assistant superintendent.
School Board President Ken Keith acknowledges Gallagher’s contribution to the district.
“A lot of changes have happened,” School Board President Ken Keith said. “Changes in curriculum, changes in students and changes in our buildings. I think he reinvented Souderton in the last decade.
The world changed, and under Dr. Gallagher’s leadership, we changed with it. We’re better for it,” Keith said.
However, for Keith, the most impactful change Gallagher has brought to Souderton is his whole-child focus.
“He really looks at every child in this district as one of his own. He truly cares about every single student,” Keith said.
For Keith, this can be seen through Gallagher’s commitment to mental health.
“He’d climb a mountain barefoot if there was an answer there to mental health at the top,” Keith said. “The man is truly dedicated.”
Director of Curriculum Katie Kennedy-Reilly believes a large part of Gallagher’s impact is his “need to be present.”
“He’s there with the child, and if that’s in a kindergarten classroom, sitting on the floor, or if that’s [in] the high school with a student who’s just having a rough day, he’s there,” Kennedy-Reilly said.
For Gallagher, the time spent with students, staff and the relationships from that are the most memorable and enjoyable parts of his career.
“I like to just be with students and talk with students and staff, so the everyday stuff are my favorite memories,” Gallagher said. 
”I love the lip dub. I love the athletics. I love the arts. I enjoyed all of that along the way, but, really, the everyday work is what I’ll cherish the most.”
According to Kennedy-Reilly, Gallagher’s dedication and care are not limited to students.
“He’s focused on relationships and being there to support the whole person. It’s not just the children of the district, but the staff, the community members and supporting all those facets,” Kennedy-Reilly said. “He humanizes the whole industry because he looks at people first. We all have lives outside of the district, just as our students do, and he respects that,” Kennedy-Reilly said.
For Kennedy-Reilly, that humanization is important for strengthening relationships and connections in both schools and the broader district.
“I think that just produces a culture where everybody does feel that they’re a community. We’re a school community within a community,” Kennedy-Reilly said.
According to Souderton Area High School Principal Sam Varano, the connections and care for every student will make Gallagher’s legacy live on in Souderton.
“His concern for kids and their well-being and their growth is really genuine, and that comes out in what he’s done since becoming superintendent,” Varano said. “I really believe it’s the emphasis on teaching the whole child. That’s what he’ll be remembered for, and that’s a great thing to be remembered for.”
Assistant Superintendent Christopher Hey agrees.
“[Gallagher] has been a real role model for me as far as the way he leads with character and always putting the children first,” Hey said.
Hey believes that Gallagher is leaving “a really rich legacy behind” that makes Souderton “a community where character counts.”
On April 30, the school board unanimously voted for Hey to succeed Gallagher as superintendent, beginning on July 1.
“I’ve grown and really love this district. I care a lot about the community, the students and staff, so I’m excited for the opportunity,” Hey said.
Varano feels that Hey’s leadership will serve to continue Gallagher’s legacy.
“I think things will continue on their upward trajectory with him,” Varano said.
Gallagher is also pleased with the school board’s decision.
“[Dr. Hey] and I are good friends, so I’m confident in his leadership style,” Gallagher said. “He’s a little different than I am, but he cares very deeply about this organization.”