To the Northern Lehigh Staff, Students and Community: 

Executing the plans of Northern Lehigh Leadership Team and the School Board for the High School is both my honor and privilege. I’m looking forward to implementing the recently approved Comprehensive Plan and introducing myself to the Bulldog staff and students, as well as the Northern Lehigh Community. I have had numerous constructive conversations with Mr. Link and the administrative team on the critical tasks expected to be accomplished this school year. As for my leadership approach, I am a student first leader that prioritizes student learning and achievement along with promoting kindness, compassion and gratitude for both students and staff.

I would be remiss if I did not share my background as a professional educator/leader and family man. My career began in Factoryville, PA, a small rural, blue collar community. In 1996 I taught at the Lackawanna Trail Elementary Center assigned to 4th Grade and 5th Grade during my 5 years of service. In 2001, I left Trail for Pleasant Valley and began my administrative career as an Assistant Principal, an Elementary Principal/Math Supervisor then returned to Lackawanna Trail in 2008-2014 as the High School Principal. For the past eight years I was commissioned as a Superintendent completing a 3 year assignment at Jim Thorpe in June. My most recent position returned me to Lackawanna Trail as their Interim Superintendent for the past two months before joining the Northern Lehigh Bulldog leadership team. On the home front, I’m married 25 years to my beautiful wife Kelly, we have two children, Abigail (RN at Geisinger Wyoming Valley) and Sammy (Senior at Duquesne University), and we have a 4 year old Maltese named Maisy.

In closing, I believe communication is an essential component in education to effectively lead a High School. Feel free to direct any questions or concerns to me as I will be serving as your Acting High School Principal through the 2022-2023 school year. I can be contacted at 610-767-9832, or by email at jrushefski@nlsd.org. It is my pleasure to speak and/or meet with the Bulldog Community as your Acting High School Principal and I want to hear your concerns and recommendations. 

It is my honor to work for you!

Sincerely, 

Mr. John Rushefski 
Acting High School Principal 
Northern Lehigh School District