A familiar face takes the reins of the Wilson School District

Jul. 15—Dr. Christopher Trickett says he was a pretty typical teenager.

Back in the late 1990s, he spent a lot of time focused on his school work and his wrestling career at Cocalico High School in northern Lancaster County. He didn't really have a clear picture of what would come next, on what he would do after graduation.

That changed thanks to a special teacher.

Trickett said that his technology education teacher and wrestling coach, Jim Stafford, took him under his wing. And he gave him a bit of advice that helped Trickett set his path.

"He told me to do something that's more than a job," he said.

Stafford encouraged Trickett to find a career that meant more to him than just a paycheck. He urged him to find his calling.

In looking at his mentor, Trickett realized what that was. He wanted to follow in Stafford's footsteps.

"If it worked for him it will definitely work for me," Trickett recalled thinking.

The decision led to a two-decade career in education, one that will continue with Trickett leading the Wilson School District. The 43-year-old took over the role as the district's superintendent on July 1.

Finding his way

Growing up in the country outside of the small town of Reinholds, Trickett always liked working with his hands.

Before settling on education, he was considering a career as an electrician. Stafford showed him that he could do both.

He attended Millersville University and, after graduating, took a job teaching technology education in Great Valley School District in Chester County. His move from student to teacher wasn't easy.

"My first year as a teacher was the hardest year, professionally, of my life," he said.

Trickett said his college education had given him abundance of college, but once he was leading his own classroom without the supports found on campus he realized the job was tougher than it seems.

"It's your show," he said.

And sometimes, he said, the theories learned in college don't always match up with what you find in the real world.

Trickett said he was lucky to find another mentor in his building's principal who helped him get through the challenges he faced. He stuck with it, and after a year at Great Valley moved on to take a teaching job in the Wilson School District.

He taught at both the middle school and high school over the next nine years. He also continued his own education during that span, doing graduate work that included studying how to integrate technology into classrooms.

Trickett also worked on obtaining his principal certificate.

Shifting gears

After a decade in the classroom, Trickett moved into an administrative role when he was appointed an assistant principal at the high school.

Like the shift from college to teaching, it wasn't easy.

"Each transition I've had has been very hard," he said. "I've loved everything I've done, it's been hard to move on. And moving to administration, it's a completely different career, honestly."

Trickett said that as an administrator he missed out on getting to share in students' daily successes. But on the other hand, having a job in leadership allowed him to have a wider impact on more students.

That would continue as Trickett moved through a variety of administrative positions over the next several years, holding posts as high school principal, director of technology for the district and assistant superintendent.

Trickett said he loved the opportunity to help mold the district that each of those positions provided, saying he has a vested interest in its success.

"I live here," he said. "I have three daughters that go here. This is important to me."

Taking the reins

When Trickett was officially selected as Wilson's new superintendent in June — replacing Dr. Richard Faidley, who left the district for a superintendent position at a school in North Dakota — he was on vacation.

"That was probably a good thing," he said with a laugh, admitting his excitement was hard to contain. "It was just an immense sense of responsibility and an overwhelming sense of pride."

Trickett had already had a taste of the top spot in the district, serving as interim superintendent prior to being selected for the permanent role. But, he said, having that temporary qualifier taken off makes the job feel different.

Now, he's responsible for everything.

Trickett is taking that pressure in stride. He said he has immense faith in his team, saying the district is filled with talented and passionate individuals.

That makes life a lot easier. And it quells any worries he has about preparing for his first school year as superintendent.

In fact, Trickett is so excited for kids to return to classrooms that he wants to display a countdown on a district-owned electronic sign.

"I can't wait to see the kids," he said. "That's why we do what we do."

Trickett said he plans to treat the superintendent job like an ambassador, making sure he is visible both inside schools and throughout the community.

"I want a student to see me at a tennis match and feel comfortable coming over and saying hi to me," he said. "It's all about what fills your bucket, why drives you. And for me that's the kids and the community."

But before school starts, Trickett and his team do have some work to do. He said he's working on creating strategic goals for the district.

One of those goals is to make sure students and staff are safe when they're at school.

"Safety and security have to be the primary focus," he said. "Families, they give us their kids for seven hours a day, their most precious possessions. That's a huge responsibility."

Trickett said he and his team will also work to make sure the district's curriculum is aligned with state standards, while also providing an environment where students can enjoy learning. The second piece of that comes down to letting teachers be themselves.

"We were all kids once and we all had the teachers we still remember," he said. "I want our kids to have a bunch of those."

A family man

When asked to describe himself, Trickett's answer came quickly: "I'm family and community focused."

Trickett and his wife, Lisa, have three daughters ages 12, 15 and 16 who all attend Wilson schools. He said they help provide a deep connection to the school district.

"They help me stay very busy and engaged," he said.

Trickett said he also believes it is very important to be an active member of his community, which is why he serves on a variety of boards and takes part in a number of volunteer efforts.

As for what he likes to do in his free time, the fishing pole leaning up against corner of his new office tells that story.

"I like to camp and fish," he said. "Basically anything on the water: fishing, boating, swimming."