The line that exists between the Manheim Township School District and the Manheim Township community is both fine and blurred. The success of one is very much reflected in the success of the other.

In her role, Robin Felty serves as community leader, liaison and top educator. Felty is in her seventh school year as the Manheim Township School District's superintendent, a position that demands patience, flexibility and an ability to delegate.

"My favorite part of the job is the people, the staff," said Felty. "Everyone values our mission of being a part of the community. Our school district is an essential part of the community. We have very involved families, and there's that personal and professional investment."

As the superintendent, Felty is very much the face of the Manheim Township School District and generally is responsible for the district's direction and decisions and the enforcement of its policies. In another way, she serves as the intermediary between Township's nine-member school board, the principals of the district's nine buildings, administrators, teachers and support staff.

"I'm the lead person in the school district," said Felty. "Anything involved with the operation of the school district falls (under my review), but I have a wonderful team supporting me. We are on a mission to make everyone feel like their voices matter. I might be the superintendent, but there are so many leaders in the district."

The Manheim Township School District serves 5,950 enrolled students, with a staff of 770 administrators, educators and others. The school district is currently operating under the $112 million budget the school board passed in June of 2022.

"This generation (of students) will be running our nation in the future," said Felty. "They're our next workforce. Nationally, we're seeing careers that there are needs for. We have a lot of work to do locally. We have a responsibility to make sure we're giving our students what they need to be successful."

A lifelong educator and a self-described "Lancaster gal," Felty noted that her position at Manheim Township is her first as superintendent. Prior to becoming a Blue Streak, Felty held assistant superintendent positions within the Warwick and Ephrata school districts.

"It's been challenging, but in the most positive way," said Felty. "I started my career as a teacher, and in many ways I still am. I still spend a few days in the classroom. I've always been surrounded by people who encouraged me to pursue opportunities. I love learning. I love growing. I'm very driven to give to others, to make a bigger impact on children."

A daughter of missionaries, Felty graduated from Lancaster Mennonite School. During her postsecondary education, she earned degrees from Eastern Mennonite University, Millersville University, Immaculata University and Lebanon Valley College.

"I see us all as one," said Felty. "It all comes back to the school district being surrounded by a wonderful community. It makes me so proud that people recognize our school district. There are so many things that show the impact of our students on the community.