Susquehanna Community reviews test data

Susquehanna Community Superintendent Bronson Stone advised the board the district’s PSSA results had been received. He noted that all testing levels, grades 3 through 8, were within two percent of the state average.

The district surpassed the state average in the Keystone Exam test results, which are administered in high school subject areas (English, algebra and biology).

The Keystone Exams were rolled out several years ago to be used as a statewide requirement for graduation. Exam results are also tied to teacher and district ratings.

A State Senate bill (SB1095) would eliminate the Keystones as a graduation requirement for students; and five “pathways to graduation” have been outlined by lawmakers.

The “pathways” approach will go into effect for current ninth grade students, Stone said.

While voicing support for the “pathways” approach, Stone voiced concern over continuing to administer the Keystone exams to students who will not impacted by the results.

“If it doesn’t mean anything, why give it?” he asked. “There are plenty of other things to spend that money on.”

Sandy Hook Promise Grant

The district was one of 70 in the state to receive a grant to bring Sandy Hook Promise programs that address bullying and suicide to the district.

The funding from the U.S. Department of Justice’s (USDOJ) Office of Justice Programs was awarded through the STOP School Violence Prevention and Mental Health Training Program and authorized by the STOP School Violence Act enacted in March 2018.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has been working with Sandy Hook Promise (SHP). The funding will be used to implement SHP’s Start With Hello and Say Something, which are among SHP’s Know the Signs programs aimed at empowering students.

Start With Hello encourages and guides students in creating socially inclusive school communities, while Say Something trains students to recognize the signs and appropriately intervene when they identify someone as exhibiting behaviors that they may be a threat to themselves or others.

Stone said, “I think the two programs will bring great things to the district.”

Board member resignation

The board regretfully accepted the resignation of Region 1 representative Ashley Yoder, effective Nov. 5.

Stone said Yoder was moving, and although her new residence is still in the school district, it is located in another region.

Fund balance designations

The board approved about $5.5 million in fund balance designations, with $3 million committed to future employee retirement payments; $1.8 million for future medical, dental and vision benefits; and $400,000 committed to future early retirement incentives.

The district earmarked $200,000 from the fund balance to be used for capital improvement projects; and $100,000 was left unassigned to be used as deemed necessary by the board.

Other business

*Approved a bid for $11,000 for a tractor;

*hired John Ord as high school after-school Archery Club adviser;

*approved transportation contracts and drivers;

*approved a resolution identifying school safety and security needs for the purpose of planning, grant writing, and to comply with PCCD grant requirements;

*granted permission for the district to sell a crucible furnace from the Industrial Arts department. A new, electric, crucible furnace will replace the old gas-powered one;

*approved the following policies: meetings; adoption of textbooks; school wellness; reduction of staff; maintenance; child abuse; food services; and public attendance at school events.

In regards to the Public Attendance at School Events policy, Stone noted that policy changes address parking at the school – specifically stating that vehicles may not be left on campus without the direct permission of an administrator.

He said vehicles can not be left after the campus is closed (overnight or through weekends) or they would be towed.