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Wanda Erb expresses her appreciation for being selected to receive the 2024 Gary Reeser Memorial Award.

WASD officials. From left: Brandon Coleman, director of pupil transportation; Dale Crans, maintenance and facilities director; Superintendent Dr. Timothy S. Bowers; Lori Baer, school board president; Erb; Susan Neidig, office of the superintendent; Anne Logue, human resources director; and Brett Leinbach, director of finance and accounting.

Dale Crans accepts the 2024 David L. Nett Regional Chapter Leadership Award.

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (MARCH 13, 2024) — Two Williamsport Area School District administrators recently received awards for their leadership in public education.

The Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO) selected Business Administrator Wanda Erb to receive a 2024 Gary Reeser Memorial Award, Pennsylvania’s top honor for school business officials. Additionally, Maintenance and Facilities Director Dale Crans received the 2024 David L. Nett Regional Chapter Leadership Award. 

Both Erb and Crans received their awards during PASBO’s 69th Annual Conference at Hershey Lodge on March 6.

The Gary E. Reeser Memorial Award is given to an individual who has demonstrated professionalism, leadership and innovation in the field of school business management.

Erb joined the WASD administrative team in 2018, bringing with her a wealth of experience gained from 30 years in public education, including her previous role as the business manager of the Northern Tioga School District. In January, she began her term as Vice President of the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), and slated to become President in 2025.

Beyond her contributions to public education, she also serves as an adjunct professor in the Wilkes University School Business Leadership Program.

“Receiving the Gary Reeser Memorial Award is a tremendous honor,” Erb said, “and I am deeply grateful for and humbled by the recognition from PASBO, and energized to continue the journey towards excellence in school business management.”

The David L. Nett Regional Chapter Leadership Award is designed to recognized achievements, accomplishments and leadership within PASBO regional chapter officers.

Crans received his award for his leadership in the Susquehanna Valley Association of Plant Managers, in which he’s held the presidency for two years and still holds the secretary and treasurer positions.

Crans is in his 35th year in the education field, all of which have been in the facilities track, having held positions of head custodian, maintenance and head of maintenance before taking on his position at WASD.

“I'm honored to receive this award,” he said. “I'm committed to keeping up the good work and leading with integrity as we keep our schools running smoothly.”

“Congratulations to both Wanda and Dale on their awards,” said Superintendent Dr. Timothy S. Bowers. “Their dedication and leadership have been instrumental in advancing our district’s goals in their respective roles. This honor not only reflects their individual excellence but also the collective commitment of our entire team to providing the best possible educational environment for our students.”

PASBO is a statewide association of 4,000 members, providing professional development, peer-to-peer networking, and showcasing best practices in school business, according to its website.

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