Superintendent

Josh Biederstedt

Welcome from the Superintendent

Welcome to Patrick Henry Local Schools!

Thank you for taking the time to visit our website and, more importantly, thank you for the continued support you show our students, staff, and school district. Patrick Henry has always been more than a school district—it is a community that comes together to celebrate successes, overcome challenges, and care for one another. I am grateful to be part of a community that consistently demonstrates what it means to put others first.

As I begin my ninth year as superintendent, I continue to be humbled by the opportunity to serve this district. Before becoming superintendent, I spent six years as Patrick Henry High School principal and five years as a teacher in our district. Throughout those years, one constant has remained: the people of Patrick Henry are committed to helping one another become the best versions of themselves.

That commitment is reflected in the Three Pillars that guide our district culture:

• Family – Being the best version of ourselves for others.
• Above and Beyond – Being the best version of ourselves when no one is looking.
• Perseverance – Being the best version of ourselves during difficult times.

These principles influence the way we teach, learn, compete, lead, and serve. They are not simply words on a wall—they are expectations that help shape our daily decisions and interactions with one another.

The Three Pillars were created by our students during the 2018-2019 school year following the tragic loss of two members of our student body. As our school community grieved together, students identified these values as characteristics exemplified by the Wensink brothers and began referring to them as the #WensinkWay. Today, the #WensinkWay serves as a lasting reminder that character, compassion, and resilience define who we are as a school community.

You will also see our district proudly use #PHStrong. To us, PHStrong represents our shared commitment to living out the Three Pillars each day. Whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, on the stage, or throughout our community, we strive to ensure that every interaction reflects respect, integrity, and a genuine desire to make those around us better.

Our goal is not to be perfect. Rather, it is to create a culture where students and adults alike continue growing into the best versions of themselves. By embracing the Three Pillars and the #WensinkWay, we build an environment where people are encouraged to lead with character, persevere through adversity, and care deeply for one another.

Thank you for entrusting Patrick Henry Local Schools with your children and for partnering with us in this important work. We look forward to another outstanding school year and to continuing our tradition of excellence together.

If I can ever be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at jbiederstedt@phpatriots.org or by calling 419-274-3015.

Dr. Josh Biederstedt
Superintendent
Patrick Henry Local Schools