Pocono Mountain's Dr. Elizabeth Robison named 2027 PA Superintendent of the Year
The Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA) is proud to announce Dr. Elizabeth Robison, Superintendent of the Pocono Mountain School District, as the 2027 Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year.
This year’s selection process featured an outstanding slate of candidates from school districts across the Commonwealth. Following a comprehensive review of the nominees, the PASA Elections Committee and Board of Governors selected Robison for her demonstrated leadership in improving student outcomes, expanding opportunities, strengthening community partnerships and advancing public education.
Mrs. Lynn Fuini-Hetten, Superintendent of Salisbury Township School District, and Dr. Erin Keating, Superintendent at Scranton School District, were finalists in this year’s process.
“I am truly honored and grateful to be named Superintendent of the Year. More than anything, I see this as a reflection of the wonderful people I have had the privilege of working with during my 38 years at Pocono Mountain,” Dr. Robison said. “No superintendent leads alone. I am fortunate to be surrounded by a dedicated team of administrators, colleagues, teachers, and staff who bring the knowledge, compassion, commitment, and heart to our schools every day. Their willingness to collaborate, their belief in our students, and their dedication to doing what is best for children are what make our work meaningful. This honor belongs to all of us who come together each day with a shared purpose - to serve our students, support one another, and make Pocono Mountain the very best it can be. I am deeply grateful to lead alongside such an exceptional team and to continue this important work together, always keeping our students and their future at the heart of all that we do.”
Robison has served as superintendent of Pocono Mountain since 2011 and is a 40-year educator who has dedicated much of her career to the district. Her leadership is grounded in a commitment to student success, equity, innovation and collaboration.
One of Robison’s most significant accomplishments has been leading a comprehensive redesign of secondary education to address achievement gaps and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
Working collaboratively with district leaders and the school board, Robison led the transition to a renewed daily schedule while simultaneously redesigning the district’s cyber program. PMSD Cyber evolved into a comprehensive K-12 program offering individualized learning pathways, live synchronous and asynchronous instruction, small-group instruction, co-teaching, counseling, intervention services, credit recovery and expanded opportunities for students with diverse needs.
“Dr. Robison’s long-standing leadership in the Pocono Mountain school community and her contributions to public education across Pennsylvania distinguished her in a strong field of nominees for the 2027 PA Superintendent of the Year,” PASA Executive Director Dr. Sherri Smith said. “She leads with purpose, passion and vision, and her commitment to students, staff and community has made a lasting impact. Through her work as superintendent and in numerous community and state leadership roles, including her service on the PASA Board of Governors, Dr. Robison exemplifies the kind of leadership that inspires others to think boldly, embrace new possibilities and help re-envision the future of public education in the Commonwealth.”
Under Robison’s leadership, Pocono Mountain has also expanded opportunities beyond traditional academics. Students have earned regional, state, national and international recognition in areas including STEAM, problem-solving, chess, speech and debate.
The district has strengthened programs in athletics, the arts and career-focused learning, including the development of a state-of-the-art Wellness Facility. Pocono Mountain has also been recognized as a Great Pennsylvania School, a Best Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants, and an Outstanding Visual Arts Community by the Pennsylvania Art Education Association.
Robison has emphasized partnerships that address students’ academic, physical, social and emotional needs. The district works with organizations including St. Luke’s University Health Network, the Pocono Mountains United Way and Communities in Schools to provide resources and support for students and families.
Robison has worked closely with the Pocono Mountains United Way for over 30 years, receiving the Spirit of Caring and Outstanding Campaign Manager awards.
Robison’s influence extends beyond her district.
She serves on the PASA Board of Governors and participates in the PASA Women’s Caucus. She also serves on the boards of the PA Association of Rural and Small Schools, Lehigh Valley Health Network Board of Associates, and Monroe County Communities in Schools.
In 2024, Robison was appointed by Gov. Josh Shapiro to the Pennsylvania State Council for the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission, representing school districts serving military-connected students. Pocono Mountain was also recognized with a 2025 Keystone Award of Excellence as a Purple Star School.
Her professional contributions have earned numerous honors, including the 2026 Margaret Smith Leadership Award from the PASA Women’s Caucus and distinguished alumni recognition from Marywood University, Bloomsburg University, Shippensburg University and Pottsville Area School District.
Dr. Robison will serve as the Pennsylvania finalist in the AASA National Superintendent of the Year® program, with national finalists announced in late 2026 and the national honoree recognized during AASA’s National Conference on Education in February 2027 in Atlanta, Georgia.
This year’s selection process featured an outstanding slate of candidates from school districts across the Commonwealth. Following a comprehensive review of the nominees, the PASA Elections Committee and Board of Governors selected Robison for her demonstrated leadership in improving student outcomes, expanding opportunities, strengthening community partnerships and advancing public education.
Mrs. Lynn Fuini-Hetten, Superintendent of Salisbury Township School District, and Dr. Erin Keating, Superintendent at Scranton School District, were finalists in this year’s process.
“I am truly honored and grateful to be named Superintendent of the Year. More than anything, I see this as a reflection of the wonderful people I have had the privilege of working with during my 38 years at Pocono Mountain,” Dr. Robison said. “No superintendent leads alone. I am fortunate to be surrounded by a dedicated team of administrators, colleagues, teachers, and staff who bring the knowledge, compassion, commitment, and heart to our schools every day. Their willingness to collaborate, their belief in our students, and their dedication to doing what is best for children are what make our work meaningful. This honor belongs to all of us who come together each day with a shared purpose - to serve our students, support one another, and make Pocono Mountain the very best it can be. I am deeply grateful to lead alongside such an exceptional team and to continue this important work together, always keeping our students and their future at the heart of all that we do.”
Robison has served as superintendent of Pocono Mountain since 2011 and is a 40-year educator who has dedicated much of her career to the district. Her leadership is grounded in a commitment to student success, equity, innovation and collaboration.
One of Robison’s most significant accomplishments has been leading a comprehensive redesign of secondary education to address achievement gaps and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
Working collaboratively with district leaders and the school board, Robison led the transition to a renewed daily schedule while simultaneously redesigning the district’s cyber program. PMSD Cyber evolved into a comprehensive K-12 program offering individualized learning pathways, live synchronous and asynchronous instruction, small-group instruction, co-teaching, counseling, intervention services, credit recovery and expanded opportunities for students with diverse needs.
“Dr. Robison’s long-standing leadership in the Pocono Mountain school community and her contributions to public education across Pennsylvania distinguished her in a strong field of nominees for the 2027 PA Superintendent of the Year,” PASA Executive Director Dr. Sherri Smith said. “She leads with purpose, passion and vision, and her commitment to students, staff and community has made a lasting impact. Through her work as superintendent and in numerous community and state leadership roles, including her service on the PASA Board of Governors, Dr. Robison exemplifies the kind of leadership that inspires others to think boldly, embrace new possibilities and help re-envision the future of public education in the Commonwealth.”
Under Robison’s leadership, Pocono Mountain has also expanded opportunities beyond traditional academics. Students have earned regional, state, national and international recognition in areas including STEAM, problem-solving, chess, speech and debate.
The district has strengthened programs in athletics, the arts and career-focused learning, including the development of a state-of-the-art Wellness Facility. Pocono Mountain has also been recognized as a Great Pennsylvania School, a Best Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants, and an Outstanding Visual Arts Community by the Pennsylvania Art Education Association.
Robison has emphasized partnerships that address students’ academic, physical, social and emotional needs. The district works with organizations including St. Luke’s University Health Network, the Pocono Mountains United Way and Communities in Schools to provide resources and support for students and families.
Robison has worked closely with the Pocono Mountains United Way for over 30 years, receiving the Spirit of Caring and Outstanding Campaign Manager awards.
Robison’s influence extends beyond her district.
She serves on the PASA Board of Governors and participates in the PASA Women’s Caucus. She also serves on the boards of the PA Association of Rural and Small Schools, Lehigh Valley Health Network Board of Associates, and Monroe County Communities in Schools.
In 2024, Robison was appointed by Gov. Josh Shapiro to the Pennsylvania State Council for the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission, representing school districts serving military-connected students. Pocono Mountain was also recognized with a 2025 Keystone Award of Excellence as a Purple Star School.
Her professional contributions have earned numerous honors, including the 2026 Margaret Smith Leadership Award from the PASA Women’s Caucus and distinguished alumni recognition from Marywood University, Bloomsburg University, Shippensburg University and Pottsville Area School District.
Dr. Robison will serve as the Pennsylvania finalist in the AASA National Superintendent of the Year® program, with national finalists announced in late 2026 and the national honoree recognized during AASA’s National Conference on Education in February 2027 in Atlanta, Georgia.