Laura Halleman Hopewell Area School District’s new superintendent has hit the ground running to ensure a successful school year.
Dr. Maura Hobson has met with student groups, parent groups, administration and school board members to discuss key areas to focus on this school year.
Hobson said a new logo and rebranding of the district is one of the priorities to encourage Viking pride.
“We’re looking at how do we build the culture and community around what it means to be a Viking or what does that pride mean,” Hobson said. “We want to honor traditions, but at the same time move forward.”
As many students are bombarded with AI and social media these days, Hobson wants to temper this technology with student engagement in the classroom.
“I think AI, social media and all of that has a place, and it’s something we have to work with and teach our students how to use that to support their learning, but not take over their learning,” Hobson tells Vikings Sports Now.
Hobson added that the goal is to meet the challenge of technology, and the instant gratification that comes with it, with ways to get students more engaged in the classroom.
Teaching teamwork to students is also a priority. Whether on a sports team, in a school club or in the classroom, Hobson said working together towards a common goal is beneficial to all.
“When I was a field hockey coach one of the big things I did was my varsity girls would go to the JV games, and we’d watch and support them and cheer them on. We did that because it is not just about one team, it’s about the whole team and the whole school district.”
Hobson was named school superintendent for the district in November of 2025. She brings more than 28 years of experience as an educator and leader. Hobson holds a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Pennsylvania Western University, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Scranton, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Shippensburg University.
