North Middleton, Pennsylvania Development News

Comprehensive Plan Update: Year One Progress and Future Initiatives Detailed

The board received an update on the first year of the comprehensive plan, highlighting progress in five priority areas: K-8 transition, educational program excellence, health and wellness, positive culture and climate, and systems and structures. Year one accomplishments include leadership appointments for new buildings, committee work on programming, staff surveys regarding school closures, collaboration with first responders, and the groundbreaking for Carlisle Middle School. Programmatic updates in education featured the integration of STEELS into science, a structured literacy pilot, revised ELA programs, and numerous course revisions. The secondary CTE pathway enrolled 13-15 students, with evaluation for future growth. A successful transition to online testing occurred, despite some initial technical issues. Summer learning programs saw significant changes, including the elimination of the elementary program due to budget constraints and an overhaul of the middle school program. The graduation rate slightly improved, hitting over 90%. Common assessments were introduced at the secondary level, involving extensive planning and teacher involvement. Student services forged new partnerships, including autism and multi-disability classrooms, and increased family workshops. Health and wellness initiatives included revising the chapter 339 plan and an updated plan for K-5 counseling, with a move to remove counselors from the formal specials rotation. The Character Strong program was piloted and approved for two more years at Lamerton Middle School, and a new partnership with Cartwheel for telehealth counseling was established. Translation devices and AI software were piloted to assist English language learners. For positive culture and climate, Satchel Pulse was used for climate and building analysis. A student advisory committee was active, with plans to continue its work. There was greater cohesion in family events, and a classroom cell phone ban was implemented, with principals reviewing faculty and staff survey data for adjustments. Vape detectors were approved for restrooms. Educator job fairs yielded 276 resumes and numerous hires. The recognition and appreciation committee is preparing to share information on long-term faculty service. Work on the PSBA study for Act 93 and support services is nearing completion. The district dashboard is being updated regularly. Budgeting, financial outlook, and investments are being managed by Mr. Statler, with appraisals planned. Safety and security procedures are being enhanced under Dr. Black, and new protocols are being developed with Mr. DuPay. Technology audits are underway, and stadium facility project pictures are expected next month, alongside campus upgrades. Future plans include merging PTOs for several elementary schools, initiating the Moreland project bids, and addressing the roundabout project with township, borough, and PennDOT collaboration. Staffing schedules and programs are being developed with a focus on cohesion and alignment, aiming for a new and improved schedule by winter. Educational programming will focus on state mandates for elementary (structured literacy, STEELS) and common assessments for secondary, with a revisit to grading, weighted courses, and GPA conversations. Artificial intelligence, general technology, and screen time for students will be major discussion points, leading to board policy and training. Technology audits will continue, with a focus on device allocation for different grade levels. Student supports will include strengthening building-level attendance practices and enhancing communication between administration and parent associations. The special education consortium, comprising Mechanicsburg, Big Spring, South Middleton, Northern York, and the district, is working to pool resources for specialized classrooms. Discussions are ongoing regarding summer learning programs, including potential sliding scales tied to free and reduced lunch status and scholarship programs through the Bison Foundation, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of timely graduation.