Development News for Susquehanna, Pennsylvania

District Reports Progress in Academic Growth and Achievement, with Focus on Learner Preparedness and Support Staff

The board reviewed the district's progress in academic performance and growth, focusing on several key areas. The district aims for 90% of 12th-grade learners to report preparedness for their first-choice post-secondary plans, with a survey currently being administered. Another goal is for 95% of learners to report learner agency, defined as having a voice in their education, with a transition to a new Panorama survey planned for the fall. For K-8 learners, the goal is for 75% to show above-average growth on the MAP assessment. The district also aims for exceeding average statewide performance on PSSAs and growth on Keystone exams. Data presented shows growth across most buildings on nationally normed MAP assessments in both Math and ELA, with most buildings exceeding the 50% national average growth and aiming for the district goal of 75%. For outright achievement on the MAP assessment, buildings are generally above the national average, with year-over-year growth noted. The district has hired 14 interventionists to support classrooms, particularly addressing larger class sizes. Growth on Keystone exams in Literature and Algebra 1 at the high school has met or exceeded state averages, with 100% growth in Literature and 99% in Algebra 1 for the last school year. PSSA growth data shows varying results for Thomas Holtzman and the middle school, with efforts being made to support learners in those buildings. Math growth at Thomas Holtzman showed no movement, while the middle school remained above the state average for math growth. The district also noted that social and emotional learning goals have been met, with all four buildings reaching Tier 2 or Tier 3 in positive behavior support, and the high school achieving Tier 3 status.

Food Service Budget Highlights Federal Reliance and Anticipates Operational Adjustments

The food service budget was presented as a separate enterprise fund, operating independently of local taxpayer real estate taxes. The majority of revenue is derived from federal sources due to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), enabling free breakfast and lunch for all students. Revenues are projected to increase by 5% due to higher reimbursement rates. Local revenue comes from adult meal purchases and à la carte sales. Expenditures include wages, benefits, medical premiums, and pension reimbursements for food service staff. New staff have been budgeted for the Anderson Center, with hiring and training planned for the start of the 2027-2028 school year. The budget anticipates a deficit, but the district aims to manage it to break even or achieve a surplus through ongoing monitoring and cost-cutting measures. The discussion also touched upon the potential impact of delinquent taxes and earned income tax collection on revenue generation, with concerns that residents moving out of the district mid-year can result in lost tax revenue.

District Focuses on Enhancing Team Member Engagement Through Strategic Initiatives and Feedback Mechanisms

A board member highlighted the ongoing efforts and strategic plan to improve team member engagement within the district. The objective is to increase engagement, measured by improvements in average daily attendance, reduction in sick leave usage (goal to reduce by 5%, baseline 6.84%, target 5.77%), employee satisfaction (survey goal 73.5%, currently around 70% with a recent decline), and retention (goal to decrease staff with 1-5 years of service and increase those with 5+ years). Strategies implemented include staff appreciation week and providing requested supplies like post-it notes, based on direct feedback from staff during strategic planning meetings. Challenges identified include staff burnout and the balancing act between providing professional development and the perceived burden of inservice days. The district is actively engaging in regular conversations with unions and increasing HR presence in buildings to address these issues and gather feedback. Stay interviews and exit interviews are also part of the process to understand reasons for staying and leaving.

Board Reviews and Discusses Revisions to Multiple District Policies, Including Federal Compliance, Travel, Conflict of Interest, and Electronic Device Use

The board reviewed and discussed several policy revisions during the meeting. Policy 626 (Federal Fiscal Compliance) received technical revisions to align with federal uniform guidance regarding the administration of federal funds, including updates for cybersecurity, quality control, and electronic finances. Policy 626.1 (Travel Reimbursement) was amended to include a definition of 'participants of federal awards,' extending reimbursement to non-school officials or district employees who participate in activities under federal grants. Policy 827 (Conflict of Interest) was revised with technical language to align with federal definitions, clarifying that a conflict exists when an employee, officer, agent, or board member has a financial or other interest in an entity considered for a contract. It also prohibits board members from accepting honorariums and requires written notification to employees regarding protections for good reporting. Policy 237 (Electronic Devices) underwent substantial changes in response to Senate Bill 1014, which mandates a 'bell to bell' prohibition on personal electronic devices during the school day, leaving little discretion for school districts unless explicitly carved out in the law (e.g., for medical reasons). Policy 004 (Membership) was revised to include 'Post Service Restrictions' (Section 11), proposing a one-year restriction from employment or lobbying the district after separation from the board, which is undergoing further committee revision and legal review.