Saucon Valley MS Principal Ken Napaver resigned from his position effective Nov. 30. Napaver has been hired as the new principal at Owen J. Roberts HS in Pottstown.

In speaking to the board one last time, he said, “This is by far the hardest night of my professional career.” Napaver went on to speak of the relationships he has developed while at Saucon Valley and noted his decision was “bittersweet.” He was highly complimentary to the district, community, staff and especially the kids. Over his 20-plus year career as an educator and administrator, he considers Saucon Valley to have the best kids he’s ever worked with. Previously to his start at Saucon in January 2016, he had only worked at two other school districts in various roles during his career. Those school districts were Brandywine and Bensalem Township.

The primary factor that led to Napaver’s decision came down to wanting to spend more time with his two daughters (8 and 12 years old).

Napaver is a resident of Coatesville, and has lived in that area most of his life. His commute to Saucon Valley MS begins at 5:30 a.m. each morning and consists of a round-trip drive of 150 miles and three hours commute time. Napaver recalls having to stay overnight in local hotels during snow storms because of the long commute.

When asked why he didn’t relocate after taking on the Saucon position, Napaver said he purchased a home in Coatesville in 2006 during the housing boom and financially wasn’t going to get back what he originally put into it.

Despite the positivity of working at Saucon Valley, the appeal of taking the position in Pottstown became a “no-brainer” with a much shorter commute of only 40 miles round-trip and a salary increase from $108,000 to $145,000.

Napaver summarized his feeling toward Saucon as “respect and gratitude.” The school board returned the sentiment with a round of applause. Superintendent Dr. Craig Butler said, “I want to express my appreciation for your professionalism, your leadership, the personality that you bring to the administrative team, I think we’re going to miss that…friendship and beliefs that we share as leaders and as role models in our field.”

Napaver’s new role will be leading a district of approximately 1,600 children between grades nine through 12 and over 100 full-time teachers.