Erich May

Erich May, Superintendent of Brookville Area School District, is in his eighth year leading Brookville and his tenth year as a superintendent. He was previously a principal and English teacher, but his extensive experience also includes work in the private sector. Before entering education, he worked as a newspaper reporter and editor and then as a carpenter and cabinet maker. His journalism background strengthened his ability to communicate with the public, while his time in the trades has helped him connect with support staff. For May, education is “the people business.”

Building Schools around Belonging

At the core of May’s leadership approach is the belief that schools should be warm and inviting. He has carried this message throughout his tenure, focusing on creating environments where students are recognized, valued and supported.

“The best schools are like families, and the best families are like schools,” May says, describing the foundation of his approach to creating a culture of belonging.

Under his leadership, Brookville has emphasized well-being alongside academic growth. Mental health, physical health, nutrition and sleep are viewed as essential to learning and achievement. May has also encouraged staff to care for students who may feel different or overlooked, especially in a rural setting where standing apart can be challenging.

Leading Through Presence and Gratitude

May believes effective leadership begins with visibility. He visits every school each week, maintaining connections with students, teachers, administrators and staff. His leadership style centers on being visible, helpful and grateful.

He uses recognition as a way to reinforce expectations and highlight the behaviors that strengthen the district’s culture. Consistently expressing appreciation for staff members and their contributions has also been good for recruitment and retention.

He describes most days not as crisis management but as opportunities to appreciate the work being done throughout the district. That recognition has helped Brookville become a destination district where employees want to work and families want to live.

“Every teacher we hired this summer came to us with experience in another district,” May notes. “That says something about the culture we’ve created.”

Innovation with Purpose

May has led several construction and renovation projects at Brookville, but he has also overseen programmatic improvements. During his tenure, Brookville has adopted PBIS and MTSS and additional planning time for teachers through an early dismissal every Friday.

“ The best schools are like families, and the best families are like schools. “

The district has also expanded mental health efforts by increasing social work support, contracting with a therapist, adding social and emotional learning classes, and collaborating with community partners. These efforts reflect May’s commitment to addressing the broader needs of students.

“As school leaders, we work with people, programs and places,” May says, “but the people are far and away the most important of those.”

A Balanced Approach to Education

While technology continues to reshape education, May advocates for a measured approach. He believes technology has an important role to play but should not replace human interaction, critical thinking, or meaningful engagement with texts and teachers.

He has encouraged educators to balance direct instruction, guided learning, collaboration, and responsible technology use. For May, the education sector has been too susceptible to fads; school leaders should consider their implications before adopting new tools and techniques.

As public education faces increasing competition from other learning options and changing enrollment patterns, May believes schools must create welcoming environments for students and families alike. He emphasizes the importance of arts and athletics and other extracurriculars in connecting parents and grandparents to the school community.

Through a leadership philosophy rooted in caring and kindness, and a commitment to a comprehensive education, Erich May continues to foster “a culture of excellence and encouragement.”