As Dr. Florencia Norton enters a second year as superintendent of the Palmyra School District, the focus is on expanding opportunities for students while finding creative ways to make the most of the resources available in a small district.
Norton brings 23 years of experience in education, having served as a teacher, climate and culture specialist, vice principal, principal and administrator. Norton has spent the past five years in Palmyra, including time as a preschool principal and Director of Curriculum before becoming superintendent.
That familiarity with Palmyra’s teachers, families and Board of Education played an important role in the decision to pursue the superintendent position following several leadership transitions.
Norton describes Palmyra as a small, tight-knit community that continually strives for high standards and growth. Its size allows administrators and staff to develop personal relationships with students but also creates challenges when it comes to resources.
Staff members often fill multiple roles, requiring the district to find creative solutions, including utilizing teachers with multiple certifications. Despite those challenges, Norton said student attendance and achievement remain major priorities.
The district will continue growing its preschool program during the 2026-27 school year. Delaware Avenue School currently operates seven preschool classrooms but has a waiting list for students seeking spots.
Using Preschool Expansion Aid, the district plans to partner with off-site child care providers to create additional capacity and increase access to public preschool.
Administrative changes are also intended to support the district’s youngest students. Devin Boucher has moved from vice principal to principal of Charles Street School, while former Charles Street principal Octavia Lee has transitioned to early childhood director. The realignment will allow for an increased focus on K-3 literacy at Delaware Avenue School.
At Charles Street School, the district has added another guidance counselor, bringing the total to two serving students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Administrators are also developing a new student handbook with disciplinary procedures tailored separately to students in grades K-3 and grades 4-6.
Special education is another area of focus. Following a successful pilot program, Palmyra is continuing inclusion classes that provide students receiving special education services greater access to general education settings and the least restrictive learning environment.
At the high school level, students will see expanded courses, electives and Advanced Placement opportunities. The district is working to revamp its computer science program by extending instruction into seventh and eighth grades and adding AP Computer Science. Psychology is also expected to be incorporated into the curriculum in the future.
Palmyra continues to develop its academy model, which connects students with community partners — often including district alumni — and provides opportunities for students planning to attend college as well as those interested in trades and other career pathways.
Attendance remains a priority, particularly as schools nationwide address chronic absenteeism. Palmyra High School uses a hybrid schedule combining block days with traditional eight-period days. Eligible juniors and seniors in good standing can also take advantage of late arrival or early dismissal privileges, providing additional flexibility and incentives.
Norton has made student input part of the district’s planning process. While developing Palmyra’s strategic plan, the superintendent met with students from each school to hear directly about their experiences.
One message stood out: Students believe Palmyra has a place for everyone.
With opportunities ranging from athletics and theater to clubs and academic programs, Norton hopes to build on that sense of belonging while ensuring students leave Palmyra prepared for whatever path they choose after graduation.
The district currently serves more than 1,000 students, including 94 at Delaware Avenue School, 453 at Charles Street School, 127 in grades seven and eight, and 369 in grades nine through 12.
