[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6640046,"mediaKeyId","2556414-cd8d71be69d4cbaca4ccc94cfb30f5a3","parentId",2556414,"title","District staff outline calendar study; next school year will remain traditional while options are reviewed","audioSeconds",252,"startMs",6066000,"endMs",6318000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556414-cd8d71be69d4cbaca4ccc94cfb30f5a3&start=6066&end=6318","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2556414-cd8d71be69d4cbaca4ccc94cfb30f5a3/thumbnail_6066000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6640046/District-staff-outline-calendar-study-next-school-year-will-remain-traditional-while-options-are-reviewed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640046-744d89eff5cb46c33ad41963ef7db857/orig.mp4?Expires=1777151047&Signature=Jegd5VE7zze4wxyZA~Kcr5S1N0754g-5KxTkCrIPwshQGtgGUbS-1~DaM3DrxzfvIwX8IC42d4Ix~aq9dVHQa4-TSLLiPbC-KK8zRhq1-nsBw13QVvUs4vUJK8dEdxwQH9H20f3YWerOJU39BhS5~03neNjeqtkQKfuKvmJjTsG7wjNmMxgHGbzMCx-XHnHEpHvwTLd0qw5nFN2Q~pY~K1V0O-V4m2PwDVgjEaLYQ57Y7e02cXrZBXi05omdNf-w1gnNsdXNyfzq-fQWK2EUT42DohUT~T6kD6Z81xD4nJCczQXsHDMOjiAx~2p~xLdwTOTCnWUYS-ZQK9XSJKabFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Chambersburg Area School District","date","2025-03-12T02:16:43.913Z","article","Superintendent Mark Bigger told the board the district is studying calendar changes prompted by Pennsylvania’s shift from a days‑based to an hours‑based requirement for instructional time. Bigger said the 2025–26 school year will use the traditional calendar and that the district will present alternate calendar options for future years after additional study and bargaining‑unit consultation.

Details discussed

- What was proposed: the short summary presented to the board was an increase in the school day by roughly 30 minutes (for example, 15 minutes added to morning and afternoon) in order to reduce the total number of school days; administrators suggested the maximum change discussed could reduce up to six days while preserving or increasing total instructional hours.

- Rationale and constraints: Bigger emphasized the need to consult collective‑bargaining agreements because calendar elements (start/stop times, early‑dismissal days, staff schedules) are often tied to contract language. The district also wants to move to a two‑year calendar cycle so families have more advance notice.

- Timeline: any new calendar would not apply to 2025–26, which will remain traditional; administrators expect to work with stakeholders and bring options for public review this spring or summer and to allow time for contract discussions where necessary.

Why it matters

Calendar structure affects family planning, transportation, after‑school programs and staff workload. Board members stressed public engagement and careful communication before finalizing any change, and one board member suggested moving one break from after Thanksgiving into spring to produce more evenly spaced breaks.

Provenance: the calendar discussion occurred during the superintendent’s and information items near the end of the meeting (timecode ~6066 onward).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 11, 2025 Committee Of The Whole Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Administrators said the 2025–26 school year will use the traditional calendar while the district studies alternative calendars (longer school days and fewer days). The administration cited state law changes from days to hours and said any calendar change would be negotiated within applicable work agreements.","taxTitle","taxId",0,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6640051,"Board reviews proposed honors sociology curriculum, public and faculty speakers urge dual‑enrollment access and parental opt‑out procedure discussed",4432,3816000,8248000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556414-cd8d71be69d4cbaca4ccc94cfb30f5a3&start=3816&end=8248","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2556414-cd8d71be69d4cbaca4ccc94cfb30f5a3/thumbnail_3816000.jpg","/articles/6640051/Board-reviews-proposed-honors-sociology-curriculum-public-and-faculty-speakers-urge-dualenrollment-access-and-parental-optout-procedure-discussed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640051-37a342a504e2723657298fd065e3dc26/orig.mp4?Expires=1777151047&Signature=fsP6CjqY6AjaN-cygIn14lZ-vGbqQaHxPvB5FcuP~q-slFRWQvX~6MRldCGQWQNGljhpDWEUVWG0xRhn5Cs5aaCSGN16T~cexeAjs0kNLUZFBTFZnfCYhkKvY7PmyjpuPO56SVtXzs6UWoocYyNHxaNzT7-h5an71lmkiSP6L2v3NZ2fsznH2lbnRP9nKOEoDxKiAxc1xcQSDNNtFHoRYlQbZcYLPuatfzNdYtDOK14rLCKAuI6aHptrazV1FYSX5jI2jopbL2NF8f6hg~WOqWKoNIn846dMvHP9XC3wfik7EPo8Aol25CqTfTqTgzhBPAzxKoVXLR5w6ML7gFqoDg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board continued its review of a proposed honors sociology curriculum that would allow eligible high‑school students (primarily juniors and seniors) to earn college credit through Robert Morris University (RMU) if they opt to register and pay for the credits.

What the proposal would do

- The item before the board was approval of a curriculum map for an honors sociology course; resource approval (textbook or official RMU partnership terms for credit) would come later if the map is approved.

- Administrators said the honors course is intended for students who have completed graduation requirements and want college coursework in high school; most likely enrollees would be juniors and seniors.

Board and public discussion

- Board members asked for more data on participation and outcomes across other advanced offerings (for example, whether students who take AP courses also sit the AP exams and how many earn college credit). Several asked for a clearer picture of how many students currently take regular sociology (administration said about 150 students) and how the honors section would affect course choices and staffing.

- Opt‑out and syllabus transparency: administrators noted existing policy provisions for parental opt‑out and said the syllabus would explicitly identify sensitive topics and an opt‑out process; a district policy number (policy 105.2) was cited as relating to opt‑out procedures and syllabus expectations.

- Public comment: Julie Raleigh, a sociology professor at Wilson College, and other members of the public urged the board to permit college‑level sociology in high school. Raleigh said she has taught many CASES/dual‑enrollment students over two decades and that “students ask why they didn’t learn this in high school.” Multiple public speakers said dual‑enrollment access can save families college costs and expand opportunities.

Next steps

The board did not vote at this meeting. Administrators said the curriculum‑map approval will be on the regular meeting agenda for a future vote; board members asked administration to provide additional information on course enrollment projections, how many students receive college credit in current advanced courses, and how the district communicates opt‑out options to families.

Provenance: the honors sociology item was discussed under curriculum items beginning at timecode ~3416 and generated public comment in the meeting’s Privilege of the Floor section (timecode ~8203).","The board reviewed a proposed honors sociology curriculum that would offer dual‑enrollment credits through Robert Morris University (RMU). Board members and public commenters discussed course readiness, opt‑out procedures, syllabus transparency and whether the course should be offered as an elective or integrated more broadly.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6640057,"District expands Care Solace referrals and adds three elementary counselors to lower student‑to‑counselor ratios",857,2443000,3300000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556414-cd8d71be69d4cbaca4ccc94cfb30f5a3&start=2443&end=3300","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2556414-cd8d71be69d4cbaca4ccc94cfb30f5a3/thumbnail_2443000.jpg","/articles/6640057/District-expands-Care-Solace-referrals-and-adds-three-elementary-counselors-to-lower-studenttocounselor-ratios","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640057-c8a34b4d5539a8e305d774891dec564c/orig.mp4?Expires=1777151047&Signature=Y8UQgynU1KF3drmbLYdz05up~M-YKkxSpVjW~tFhJ5p7BTvJ6G9hZvUNC7XTK7qQlrx4yVMPpT1A4cVF-2Qt5HAHpgvryTsKHvaN5IidpkkgtbFW~-a~wt4fpSd4tZEMKCbelJK9ai6FS6UMrZF~Dt6Ut9DfQz2FpeNyi2DjdYEvMAQ6SaUJFNnhQfYp2Ayo630C2s13cE-fa~8575-kxh3M8a1WWC~dFnwSmxD6M~OEtD071Vyz6LPxSOdMoTsjwvNz9H4bW~bpsyMGtcjVJ7y6FpC58~4-oZtLQlUOuKtNEL3MSswZmROPBAI-idZJyDoyByo41fxXJk6rmSf6CQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The district’s head school counselor, Lindsay Leonard, updated the board on the districtwide Care Solace contract and presented usage data and staffing changes intended to expand mental‑health access for students and families.

Leonard said Care Solace—contracted districtwide in August and used actively since October—supports families by searching for community providers, clarifying insurance acceptance, identifying virtual or in‑language options and helping overcome wait‑list and transportation barriers. “Care Solace helps families overcome barriers,” Leonard said, explaining that the service can do a warm handoff from school staff and make outreach on behalf of a family.

Program data and impact

- Referrals and contacts (data pulled in February): 38 referrals across the district; 6,587 total communications logged; 34 appointments scheduled; 16 anonymous searches by families using a district code.

- Time savings: Leonard said Care Solace’s activity equated to about 157 total staff hours saved, freeing counselors and social workers to spend more time on direct student services.

- Client profile: Referrals skewed older (about 34% adolescents), and a small share of cases reported no insurance (about 6%); common presenting issues included anxiety, depression, trauma, disruptive behavior and ADHD, Leonard said.

Staffing changes

Leonard told the board the district hired three additional elementary counselors using earlier staffing‑enhancement funds and described how the new positions were allocated to reduce counselor caseloads in high‑need buildings:

- New hire 1: split between Hamilton Heights and Ben Chambers (targeting 4th–5th grade) — combined caseload reduced to about 382 students per counselor across the two buildings (Ben Chambers had been about 585:1).

- New hire 2: split between Fayetteville and Scotland (targeting 4th–5th) — combined caseload reduced to about 312:1 (building ratios had been roughly 480:1 and 458:1).

- New hire 3: Marion will receive a full‑time counselor (bringing that counselor’s caseload from about 542:1 down to about 295:1) and the newly hired counselor will be shared four days at Andrew Buchanan and one day at South Hamilton so the combined ratio there falls to about 365:1.

Leonard said the hires bring some buildings closer to the American School Counselor Association recommendation of 1 counselor per 250 students and that the new staff will focus on grades with higher demonstrated needs and specialized programs (autistic support, emotional support and behavioral support).

Provenance: Lindsay Leonard presented the Care Solace update and staffing details during the meeting’s Care and Counseling item (timecode ~2443.28).","School counselors reported districtwide use of the Care Solace referral service since September, provided program data and said three new elementary counselor positions were created to reduce caseloads at high‑need buildings.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6640061,"RLPS presents three options for 7–8 middle school; CAMS North favored on preliminary cost/matrix",1817,3451000,5268000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556414-cd8d71be69d4cbaca4ccc94cfb30f5a3&start=3451&end=5268","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2556414-cd8d71be69d4cbaca4ccc94cfb30f5a3/thumbnail_3451000.jpg","/articles/6640061/RLPS-presents-three-options-for-78-middle-school-CAMS-North-favored-on-preliminary-costmatrix","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640061-05c555414160443353e57ade6afeb004/orig.mp4?Expires=1777151047&Signature=B8FIR5-BnfK6zfKfz0wIk~6pZ1Zzs5dYkywzAPU8PcMFCyGi0lsIYKu1A-5G24swFgwXJRqjvfq1QVBCw4PCb6bunKu1-9EoaCLI1p55YAbX1I8bD156O9MMibGif98eHUgD7kiSexUYD7-GFMVqcuZFQqfvizYo5RVBc6BIrNJfNw9jA4KgfX52eOcfvtnZGl3uZ5dsJ-r~~60Ih09xXveUif-K-15M8uYYP37IZnnrh7NJYMfIP41N8cHmZ5LfCVRwf-D5aTjDspslSjfeGgqgDPGAPtTjm6HlOs-DGst4SA~k7mKCdC-CLQjyc9RGGkIBD2f6QwFDmcJinbWbwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","RLPS Architects presented a study of options to consolidate seventh and eighth grades into a single middle school, testing (1) a two‑story addition and renovations at CAMS North, (2) a two‑story addition and reconfiguration at CAMS South, and (3) a new build on a greenfield site. The firm provided conceptual cost ranges, site and program tradeoffs, and an evaluation matrix comparing the three approaches.

The options and estimated costs

- CAMS North addition/renovation: estimated all‑in cost about $79.6 million to $91.0 million. The concept used a large two‑story addition at the front of the existing building, repurposed classroom wings and reconfigured site circulation. Benefits noted: recent capital investments at North (roof/food service) and potentially simpler phasing and infrastructure tie‑ins.

- CAMS South addition/renovation: estimated all‑in cost about $87.0 million to $99.0 million. RLPS said South’s existing building has more systems near end‑of‑life and is harder to adapt; the firm calculated higher cost and more complex phasing.

- New middle school (new site): estimated all‑in cost about $111.0 million to $127.0 million. A new building would provide an ideal plan and reduce disruption to existing sites, but carried the highest budget and potential site‑specific costs (demolition or additional site work depending on location).

“For the quick evaluation matrix that we’re using, we’re saying that it looks like North would be the way to go,” RLPS partner Chris Linke told the board, noting the matrix balanced program fit, cost, site constraints and long‑term district needs.

Other program and site notes

- Capacity: the new‑build concept tested at roughly 1,400–1,700 students.

- Site acreage: RLPS noted the CAMS North site is about 25 acres and observed a Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) rule of thumb that a new site often aims for roughly 35 acres plus 1 acre per 100 students (the consultants estimated that could point toward a roughly 49‑acre ideal for a new site).

- Athletics and fields: all concepts included multiple play fields; cost estimates reflected artificial turf and lighting in some scenarios.

- Phasing and construction schedule: RLPS estimated, if the district approved design promptly, bidding could occur in early fall 2026 with construction starting in late 2026 or spring 2027.

District intent and next steps

Superintendent Mark Bigger said the administration intends to return with a recommendation for CAMS North at the April board meeting unless the board raises substantive objections. The consultants said they will refine schemes and cost estimates in response to board feedback and continue separate athletics and operations studies that could affect site use (for example, consolidating operations at the South property).

Provenance: RLPS introduced their middle‑school study in the meeting transcript at timecode ~3451.35 and returned to cost and matrix details in the 41:00–52:00 range of the presentation.","RLPS Architects tested three approaches to house grades 7–8 — a large addition at CAMS North, a large addition at CAMS South, or a new standalone middle school — and presented conceptual costs, pros/cons and a draft evaluation matrix that, at this stage, leans toward a North addition as most cost‑effective.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6640066,"District architects outline plan, timeline for 4–6 intermediate school; Act 34 hearing will be required",239,523000,762000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2556414-cd8d71be69d4cbaca4ccc94cfb30f5a3&start=523&end=762","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2556414-cd8d71be69d4cbaca4ccc94cfb30f5a3/thumbnail_523000.jpg","/articles/6640066/District-architects-outline-plan-timeline-for-46-intermediate-school-Act-34-hearing-will-be-required","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6640066-2a641b504b04cc522769a4501e7b6187/orig.mp4?Expires=1777151048&Signature=FzPaYj1YZ5hyML4eYA29ORLtAakSei-cpJHWlwe6UrbyHkHTj4aHqJSx~y7tvjuDAW1d9c8v1d6KUVGCCrHVF9Gm4Q7rz9L-oJfCuU6kGdlhbc5xGTG2BL49mFtvawxiTxjZfhYxH5~SuvLd5FO8662qJZxisIBwXRVSzWG6vEMHa-SqIyHOrwWP8u~7gW8EHXSen5st0w-IyerUNz7B~AAs7Z3u84~FftCPVXh~xIhT6kpT8TwpVsb7L5jracpHt7rMq7drD~REiQEJbQLaoUgyhjHL6hNcs3TFhi4cA1i6GTWHM47x0DW40SN6E~7hH-MjC7CspsoF0ZKMcfhSIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Architects working with Chambersburg Area School District presented a conceptual path to design and build a 4–6 intermediate school and described the steps the district must complete before construction can begin.

Anthony Colstock of Crabtree Rorarbaugh (presenting as Crabtree Rorabaugh) told the board the project will move from program/schematic design into design development and construction documents, then public bidding and construction. Colstock said the district is clarifying the educational program, consulting civil and MEP engineers and plans to bring faculty and students into visioning exercises before schematic drawings are finalized. “We’re going to develop this concept… and then we go on through a refinement phase with design development,” Colstock said.

Why it matters: the intermediate school is part of a larger “grade configuration” effort tied to the district’s Schools of Distinction planning. The presentation described how a prototype model (an intermediate school with multiple small “schools within a school” and shared large spaces) could be adapted to Chambersburg sites and how site approvals and permitting will determine the actual schedule and cost.

Key details and schedule

- Educational program and schematic design: roughly two months, followed by four months for design development and about four months for construction documents, the architects said. Those durations are estimates and depend on municipal approval timelines.

- Act 34 hearing: Colstock said the district must hold an Act 34 public hearing—required under Pennsylvania school code—when a new construction or an addition exceeds 20% of existing square footage. The Act 34 booklet must include alternative options considered, a narrative description of the project, estimated construction and total project cost, and financing information from the district’s financial advisor. The process requires a minimum 20‑day advertisement for the hearing and a 30‑day period before the board may act on the project.

- Civil engineering and due diligence: the district has active RFPs for a civil engineer; once engaged, that firm will do site surveys and begin conversations with municipalities about land‑development, stormwater, and traffic requirements.

- Community engagement: the architects plan student and faculty visioning exercises (the architects described an exercise using green/red stickers on images to collect preferences), tours of comparable facilities, and a steering‑committee process to finalize educational specifications before design development.

Costs and a hypothetical timeline

Colstock said that, in “a perfect world,” the district could be shovel‑ready by summer 2026, but cautioned that municipal approvals will drive the schedule.

Provenance: remarks introducing this presentation and the architects appear in the meeting transcript when the superintendent introduced Crabtree Rorabaugh (timecode ~523.65) and when Anthony Colstock presented the schematic/design timeline (timecode ~747.27).","Architects hired to study a new 4–6 intermediate school presented a design-development schedule, an Act 34 public-hearing requirement and next steps including a civil‑engineer RFP and site survey; district leaders said a shovel‑ready timeline could reach summer 2026 if permitting proceeds on schedule.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

District staff outline calendar study; next school year will remain traditional while options are reviewed

Board reviews proposed honors sociology curriculum, public and faculty speakers urge dual‑enrollment access and parental opt‑out procedure discussed

District expands Care Solace referrals and adds three elementary counselors to lower student‑to‑counselor ratios

RLPS presents three options for 7–8 middle school; CAMS North favored on preliminary cost/matrix

District architects outline plan, timeline for 4–6 intermediate school; Act 34 hearing will be required