Richard P. Houseknecht

Principal, Manor Elementary School,
Pennsbury School District,
Levittown, Pennsylvania

Richard P. Houseknecht is principal of the Manor Elementary School, Pennsbury School District in Levittown, Pennsylvania. Manor Elementary desperately needed a turnaround principal and found it in Richard Houseknecht. When he arrived, achievement was low, discipline problems were common, and community support was lukewarm. Placing a strong emphasis on whole language, reading and mathematics, he raised expectations for students and teachers—and achievement levels soared. A new discipline plan, developed by staff and parents, eliminated suspensions and jump-started community support. Houseknecht researched, developed, and implemented a faculty mentoring of at-risk students, a volunteer reading program, and a parent education program on how parents can help their children at home. A former superintendent called him a "well-liked public relations dynamo ... a motivator to his staff, a spokesperson for his community, and an advocate for his students."

Houseknecht's career as an educational leader has earned him the profession's highest honors. He was recognized by Pennsylvania State University as a leading member of the Alumni. He was elected President of the Pennsylvania Association of Elementary School Principals and elected to the Executive Board of the National Association of Elementary School Principals, located outside of Washington, D.C. with a membership of 28,500 elementary and middle school principals.

Because of his work and commitment to children and parents, the United States Department of Education recognized Houseknecht as a National Distinguished Principal. He continues his work as a trainer of principals to improve the educational opportunities for children and youth both in the United States and in American schools overseas supported by the United States Department of State.

Richard P. Houseknecht received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in education at Pennsylvania State University.

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