Mr. Brian A. Gottschall Recognized as the Berks County Intermediate Unit 2021 Outstanding Community Partner

READING, PA – The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) Board of Directors recognized Mr. Brian Gottschall as the 2021 recipient of the BCIU Outstanding Community Partner Award at their September 16, 2021, Board meeting. This is the seventh year this annual award has been conferred by the BCIU.  Some of the criteria in the selection of the recipient includes the following:

• Demonstrates an understanding of the importance and role of the BCIU.
• Advocates in the community for the BCIU and the students / constituents served.
• Volunteers time and talent to support the BCIU – this could be by attending BCIU events, volunteering in classrooms, collaborating with staff members, etc.
• Must be someone outside the BCIU (non-employee) who believes strongly in educational services and has demonstrated that commitment through their actions over time.
• Must be a recognized leader in their respective field and a member of the Berks County community.

Mr. Brian Gottschall serves as the Director of the Berks County Department of Emergency Services.  His ongoing dedication, collaboration, and contributions to education initiatives such as emergency preparedness, all hazards planning, the countywide Keeping Kids Safe program, and the health and safety of our schools and communities have been critical. Mr. Gottschall has also made himself available 24/7 to provide guidance and information during the COVID-19 health emergency; has offered updates, insight, and assistance during the quickly changing landscape during the health emergency; coordinated vaccination opportunities for school personnel; and has assisted in making valuable connections with community partners.  In addition, he has reached out to the BCIU and county schools throughout the pandemic to help schools obtain the necessary personal protective equipment, resources, and materials to assist in mitigation efforts.  Mr. Gottschall has also demonstrated his ongoing commitment to the BCIU, Berks County schools, and the Berks County community by bringing awareness to the inequities related to student internet access ultimately resulting in the Closing the Digital Divide Project, which will address gaps in access for remote learning, expand access, and ensure students are not left behind.  

“The Berks County Intermediate Unit and the education community of Berks County are fortunate to have an advocate like Mr. Gottschall,” said Dr. Jill Hackman. “Mr. Gottschall has proven to be an accessible, trusted, and knowledgeable resource to help schools prepare, respond, and recover from emergencies for the best possible outcomes. Mr. Gottschall is truly deserving of being named our 2021 Outstanding Community Partner.  His work will have a lasting impact on our students, our schools, and the community.” 

            ­ ––Dr. Jill M. Hackman, BCIU Executive Director

The Berks County Intermediate Unit offers congratulations and sincere gratitude to Mr. Brian Gottschall for his leadership and for being a true and valued partner of the BCIU.