Neubauer Fellows Community

Genevieve Endy-O’Kane

Retired Principal, Stephen Decatur School
School District of Philadelphia
2016 Neubauer Fellow
Sector
District
Grade Level
K - 8th
Student Enrollment
972
School/Org Neighborhood
Northeast Philadelphia
Education
M.A. Education, Beaver College
Administrative Certification, Cheyney University
B.A. Education, Holy Family University
"Being a Neubauer Fellow was one of the most rewarding experiences of my administrative career. It helped me to understand that leadership does not look the same for everyone and that you are always learning and growing as a leader. This has helped me to create a school community where we learn and grow together. Without taking risks there can be no reward and sometimes you have to lean over the edge and push yourself to try new things. I try to be a model every day by showing loyalty, making right the wrongs, practicing accountability, keeping commitments, extending trust and just getting better. I strive to inspire and motivate students and staff to understand that together we lead. I will always recognize and value other people’s strengths so that they see their own potential because I believe that everyone has genius and everyone can lead."

Genevieve served as the principal of Stephen Decatur School from 2011 until her retirement in 2023. Under Genevieve’s leadership, from 2017-2018 to s2018-2019 Decatur’s School Progress Report (SPR) scores increased by 13% in Achievement, 6% in Progress, and 28% in Climate. Decatur is recognized on the SPR in the Model category for K-2 Reading on grade level, English Language Learner Access scores, and for English Language Arts (ELA) Growth. On SPR Climate measures, Decatur was a Model for its zero percent out-of-school suspension rate, Annual Student Retention, and Parent Survey Participation (a 65% participation rate and the percentage of positive responses for Decatur was second overall in its Network). Further, Decatur achieved targeted growth on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) in 2018-2019. In ELA, there was a 13% increase for students from 5th to 6th grade and a 7.7% increase for students from 6th to 7th grade. In Math, there was a 10.2% increase for students from 5th to 6th grade. In Text Dependent Analysis (TDA),  students achieved an 11% increase for Grade 6, a 28% increase for Grade 7 and a 38% increase for Grade 8.

Decatur was also recognized as a model school for Blended Learning. Decatur was awarded the Blended Learning Grant to obtain Chromebook carts for Grades 3-5 and was then awarded the expansion grant for Grades Kindergarten-2. Most recently, Decatur received a Pennsylvania Department of Education Grant for air conditioning and technology. Consequently, the school was able to install air conditioning units in every classroom, in all three buildings, and in the cafeteria. Additionally Smart Boards were purchased for classrooms in almost all grades. Decatur was also awarded the WHYY grant and the “Leader in Me Grant.”

Genvieve has been an educator since 1985. Prior to becoming principal of Stephen Decatur School, Genevieve served as an assistant principal, instructional reform facilitator, school-based teacher leader, and literacy teacher. She is the first in her family to obtain college and advanced degrees. Genevieve was born and raised in Philadelphia.

Fellow Listing