[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6282313,"mediaKeyId","2596872-8c86339ea727fda53fa4856bb0bedd91","parentId",2596872,"title","Board accepts retirements, approves nine personnel items","audioSeconds",75,"startMs",4313000,"endMs",4388000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2596872-8c86339ea727fda53fa4856bb0bedd91&start=4313&end=4388","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2596872-8c86339ea727fda53fa4856bb0bedd91/thumbnail_4313000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6282313/Pennsylvania/Board-accepts-retirements-approves-nine-personnel-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282313-3197b906290386a0dcdcd438b991f71b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775723910&Signature=Z-U2BXTCZBtoeRLcbl2FbYZj7A~ds2VH2fkScVfNXr9bGOxU3iCZQ576js~dQE-cmhdfccLboXv3CWWHu4ubwdUtw0B~sgfvOyJIF1nYtAlDPp4R5X~1JJ3a3o2~-HFJMEQySjwL0qZr7KfsaHQHbwmXv8LgcTsFCYRDyT9ZfcG1dmw3SK9sYDYdcHK8jvSj77M54HU8RS0aCfdHpLH5r~oEU-TrTBKRBj1B1MT3ZbX4V9AZiq7ZBmI2tsnS-kFMMBhBROGEfhys9-nb5YVnmHrRKhEdf2N5Tn8HSHvfKKAQM3I4tXtwHjDsWgshwqZS~C8ie0IXKY3C-HxtyxNS~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-13T13:07:31.01Z","article","The Saucon Valley School Board approved nine personnel items on March 11 by a bundled motion that covered retirements, leaves, substitutes, classification changes and spring coaching appointments.

The personnel package included: one teacher retirement, one paraprofessional retirement, an unpaid medical leave extension, day-to-day substitute appointments, a classification change, a homebound instructor appointment, spring athletic coach assignments for 2024–25, a musical assistant director appointment, and an appointment for supervisor of campus operations and administrative assistant. The board voted to approve items 1 through 9 as presented.

Board members acknowledged several retirees by name and thanked them for years of service. The meeting transcript named four staff members being recognized for retirement: Mr. Baldo, Ms. Prager (district nurse), Ms. Miller (high school staff member) and Lorraine Torello (paraprofessional). Speakers praised their contributions to students and the community. Administrators and board members noted plans to proceed with the staffing and coaching assignments as approved.

The motion passed by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting transcript. No additional discussion items were separated from the bundled vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","SV Board Meeting 3/11/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Saucon Valley School Board approved nine personnel items March 11, including retirements and staffing changes; board members publicly thanked long-serving employees.","taxTitle","Saucon Valley SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",75640,"location","Pennsylvania","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6282316,"Board approves policy updates: moment of silence for 9/11 and clarified adult–student boundaries",494,1851000,2345000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2596872-8c86339ea727fda53fa4856bb0bedd91&start=1851&end=2345","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2596872-8c86339ea727fda53fa4856bb0bedd91/thumbnail_1851000.jpg","/articles/6282316/Pennsylvania/Board-approves-policy-updates-moment-of-silence-for-911-and-clarified-adultstudent-boundaries","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282316-29392905a7056a182674ae65cbef1c89/orig.mp4?Expires=1775723910&Signature=DzwJB5zAaoueJFekTh3dn0UcIWgUPXHah7OVujYv~kM-Sb7R9vN9WXgsJEi-yW1pfyQJ0hKHOGHLbjgVIzKNTNl7vg6m~popT~hC7OA6cRuP1WK6sGbLXu-zkTe7tDi6WzpgLLdNG0VuqwCz6-Md9yvy1kBbYkWghC8f--A1D0o4~2-cFvanZ4DLnTR0fFoGCQG3K-axsBkMSLRA4cNnm6dHX33tH9cUZXVn2h2u2Eq0GTSynA45q~OxcFaEXgbXYNN9rklEDEaHIzYQl6BU5xLR-3LajAAU6I1rHo1bcUTFKCjaFYR2hXuZsSNbHVSNniacLG60eGYIqXJVxmACJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Saucon Valley School Board approved several policy updates on March 11 after an overview by district staff. The package included revisions to policies 336 and 339 (uncompensated leave and personal necessity), policy 807 (opening exercises), and policy 824 (maintaining professional adult–student boundaries).

Staff explained that policies 336 and 339 were combined and revised to add language and legal citations to address situations where paid or unpaid leave may be part of an accommodation under the Pregnancy Workers Act. Policy 807 incorporates a new requirement from state law governing an annual moment of silence to observe the anniversary of Sept. 11. Policy 824 was revised to update language addressing discrimination and harassment and to reference coordination with Title I and Title IX coordinators; the revision also tightens guidance about acceptable electronic communication platforms for staff and coaches.

Board members asked for clarification about the scope of the boundaries policy, including whether ephemeral messaging apps such as Snapchat are permitted. Staff said district guidance directs staff to use district-approved platforms (the district's athletic communication tool, TeamSnap, was mentioned as an approved example) and that noncompliance could lead to discipline steps. Administrators said the revised policy will be pushed through the district's Navigate system and that staff and coaches must read and sign off on the updated policy.

The board approved the policy changes by voice vote. Administrators said the policy updates will be implemented with training and communications to coaches, advisers and staff.","Saucon Valley School Board approved combined revisions to leave policies, a new opening-exercises requirement to observe the 9/11 anniversary, and updated professional adult–student boundary guidance with references to Title I/IX coordination and Pregnancy Workers Act accommodations.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6282321,"Saucon Valley board approves new K–5 ELA curriculum combining structured literacy, decodables and Lexia",1939,2343000,4282000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2596872-8c86339ea727fda53fa4856bb0bedd91&start=2343&end=4282","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2596872-8c86339ea727fda53fa4856bb0bedd91/thumbnail_2343000.jpg","/articles/6282321/Pennsylvania/Saucon-Valley-board-approves-new-K5-ELA-curriculum-combining-structured-literacy-decodables-and-Lexia","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282321-0b6f68b66796676c2304da783c14a810/orig.mp4?Expires=1775723910&Signature=WHV4JBgxfEPX9g2ZfIO1uwSKvPjqxaJSTDQcP6oRayUKytDuv3RPOncMteJgq-S6wo53vQJKOXZkrk5~cxsQEJ5PHBhl1q4yxr~~am3yQhz9c40B4KP2EBSbUR2e26g~AVewF4fEGOLvjJQn-1DgkqxmynySxRLLoIrtbsdxioI7MdUhYTQhpm-xf~TEu2B6M9EjyM78KE~9iIgaqu9jVPMnHyRyaet-Vs84l4~FgHDfumqA6gJ3dIvDKr-0p3A-J7x98e4kHSBp77HRVAHu5aiSi8~wtuhewQreKvK~kTjBfhPHFbqlka-NDVWEd9~JOeA7gfqtUvuI4-0HNydBZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Saucon Valley School Board voted on March 11 to adopt a new K–5 English language arts curriculum that combines four components: a knowledge-building program (Arts and Letters), a structured-literacy phonics program (95% Group), decodable texts (Geodes), and Lexia Core5/PowerUp for individualized practice.

Elementary staff and curriculum leaders presented the proposal, describing a \"rectangular\" model that places knowledge-building at the center and pairs it with explicit phonics instruction and decodable texts. \"This will really, really enhance, especially third through 5, and it will give a consistency k through 5,\" the presenter said during the overview of how the four components work together.

Board members and teachers described a lengthy review process that included elementary and some middle-school staff. Supporters said the package emphasizes evidence-based, structured literacy practices and a consistent K–5 approach; several board members and administrators praised the teachers' work on the selection process. During discussion, board members raised budget concerns and asked about implementation fidelity, professional development and the timeline for training and materials.

Administrators said most of the adoption cost is a one-time purchase for materials and that the district plans training for teacher leaders and spring professional development sessions; they said teachers would have materials in hand before the start of the next school year. The administration asked the board to approve the adoption now so training and materials distribution could begin this spring and summer rather than wait for the final budget cycle.

The board approved the curriculum. Several members stressed that implementation fidelity, ongoing professional development and budget oversight will be necessary. Administrators said the district will report back on implementation and professional development timelines during upcoming Academic & Personnel committee meetings.","After presentations by elementary staff, the Saucon Valley School Board approved a K–5 English-language arts adoption that pairs a knowledge-building program with structured literacy, decodable readers and Lexia software; board members praised teacher work but debated budget timing and training needs.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6282326,"IU 20 director outlines 2025–26 operating budget; no district increase requested",0,3492000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2596872-8c86339ea727fda53fa4856bb0bedd91&start=3492&end=3492","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2596872-8c86339ea727fda53fa4856bb0bedd91/thumbnail_3492000.jpg","/articles/6282326/Pennsylvania/IU-20-director-outlines-202526-operating-budget-no-district-increase-requested","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282326-2f999cbbf00bc5eb1fb921aa6569a79c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775723910&Signature=TbAqHJivPczTTG71KLlUHTxFgto-~0SQXyVuLvd45FWlXn3TTuYFG5Fi2MhqSgF8z51sdZpCMD4uFetxldXDQ-o92sudtyW7F5MHb3434WqWKeRaYwwx1BE9xWK5pblJpDDlZu1x3k81AevHNvsALrnrW4TR4AciRxxoy~x~-H0-jjTjVgvFGlZPOAgZz14HH7Ndq3B1Y~t9UYhzV2mIZu02czUNbcAfzyE7kkk~ehkrN64UWvkzSjzUWx5Pmy8hCPfK5dmLTvGBKG8gTX2sKfxWaxwAfkjDjEh5P0A10E~HYDrOrWWxcIAyxoJkNhiQA4GE4CFz5EJh8dbo9uWujQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Wolfell, executive director of Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 (IU 20), presented the IU's 2025–26 general operating budget at the Saucon Valley School District board meeting on March 11. He said the IU is proposing a 4.1% increase in its general operating budget — about $173,000 — but is not asking Saucon Valley or other member districts for additional core operating funds.

The general operating budget, Wolfell said, is a small portion of IU 20's overall revenue (he described it as roughly 1.5% of the IU's revenue) and supports core operations that require district support. \"CI 20 provides more services face to face to children than any other IU in the commonwealth of PA,\" Wolfell said, describing the IU's footprint and services.

Wolfell told the board that the proposed increase is driven by salary and benefit increases (including medical premiums and Social Security), but that the IU expects to offset much of the cost through investment income and increased state support (the \"state system of support\" funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Education). He said the IU's chief financial officer has realized stronger investment returns and that state program funding growth has helped balance the budget without asking districts for more core support.

The presentation summarized IU 20 programs and recent growth: early intervention for children ages 3–5 (the IU projects it will have served more than 2,500 children this school year), efforts to recruit and train special-education staff, and a set of educator pipeline programs. Wolfell described a \"developing future special educators\" program for high school students, a paraeducator-to-teacher pathway in partnership with East Stroudsburg University, and accelerated special-education certification work with regional universities. He also highlighted community partnerships aimed at preparing students with disabilities for competitive employment, citing work with local employers and a student-run cafe at the IU.

On behavioral health, Wolfell said IU 20 has provided services for more than 20 years, including a school-based partial hospitalization program, and that the IU offers supports across tiers (professional development, technical assistance, contracted specialized instruction). He also listed other services the IU provides to districts: early childhood outreach with PBS 39, driver's education, a print shop, and technology services (the IU recently switched providers to double bandwidth and lower cost). Wolfell said cybersecurity is a continued priority.

Board members asked whether contracting rates for district-requested services would increase. Wolfell said the IU is still finalizing service prices but suggested a conservative estimate of roughly 3% for contracted services while noting the IU is working to keep any increases lower. When asked why early intervention referrals have risen, Wolfell attributed part of the growth to the IU's role as the Local Education Agency for early intervention (Child Find responsibilities) and to greater awareness among families and pediatricians that leads to more referrals.

Wolfell said the IU will complete its internal approval steps after receiving proportionate district votes and then submit the budget to Harrisburg. He invited districts to contact IU staff about literacy events, early-childhood partnerships, or contracting for services.

The board did not take a formal vote on IU 20's budget at the meeting; Wolfell described next steps for IU board and state review.","Dr. Wolfell presented Colonial Intermediate Unit 20's 2025–26 general operating budget to the Saucon Valley School Board, saying the IU seeks a 4.1% increase in its core operating budget (about $173,000) but is not asking member districts for additional funding this year.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board accepts retirements, approves nine personnel items

Board approves policy updates: moment of silence for 9/11 and clarified adult–student boundaries

Saucon Valley board approves new K–5 ELA curriculum combining structured literacy, decodables and Lexia

IU 20 director outlines 2025–26 operating budget; no district increase requested