SCSD puts forth draft of strategic plan

BY STACI WILSON

Susquehanna Community Superintendent Bronson Stone reported a “massive drop” in PSSA scores – not just in the school district but statewide.

Stone said the numbers were still preliminary and more information would be coming in the near future.

But instead of waiting for a more clear picture, Stone said the district is being proactive with the introduction in the coming year of a new K-5th grade math series; as well as a focus on text dependent analysis in reading.

High School Principal Carmella Bullick told the board that local agencies will be on-hand at the annual Meet-the-Teacher night, slated for Thursday, Aug. 20, 6-8 p.m.

The district’s final rough draft of its strategic plan is available for view on the website, business manager Gary Kiernan told the board.

The plans covers July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019 and provides an overview of the district as well as identifying target areas for improvement and outlining goals for the next several years.

The committee noted that the district relies on the state for 70 percent of its funding and recognized that although in god fiscal shape at this time, future cost increases won’t be able to be resolved through tax increases.

According to the plan, over the next several years the district will work to further align its four main curriculums with the national Common Core Standards. In the high school, integration of Common Core standards was started in 2011-12.

Maintenance Director Kevin Price said the new playground equipment has been installed.

Carpeting has been pulled out of the football locker room and replaced with a rubber matting which should resolve past issues, Price said.

In other business, the board:

*approved the revised memorandum of understanding between the district and Pennsylvania State Police and Lanesboro Police;

*approved a memorandum of understanding with Susquehanna County Juvenile Probation and the district.

Stone said the agreement allows for school-based services during the school day.

*the chimney repair bid was awarded to Forrestor Environmental at a cost of $19,100. Work was slated to begin Aug. 10.

*several teaching positions were filled, including the addition of Travis Pregnar as the high school technology teacher; and elementary teacher Jamie DeShaw;

The board also approved student council’s request to hold a “Trunk or Treat” event on Saturday, Oct. 31; the group will also invite the Lion’s Club to hold its annual Halloween parade on the campus.

Students return to school on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

The next school board meeting will be held Wednesday, Sept. 16.