[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6629189,"mediaKeyId","2706842-64497bf7cfc4f4d7d9aaf93dc0f065f5","parentId",2706842,"title","Methacton posts curriculum revisions for public review; adds data‑science and cybersecurity electives","audioSeconds",117,"startMs",7618000,"endMs",7735000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2706842-64497bf7cfc4f4d7d9aaf93dc0f065f5&start=7618&end=7735","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2706842-64497bf7cfc4f4d7d9aaf93dc0f065f5/thumbnail_7618000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6629189/Pennsylvania/Methacton-posts-curriculum-revisions-for-public-review-adds-datascience-and-cybersecurity-electives","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6629189-0460b64f76273e484cbe580d7af40592/orig.mp4?Expires=1770914274&Signature=LEwvkNXgSnidjTBBAsLo-2MK8u~wyb~nA2kk0F17kQFUvMLx~OEMPF59hpDbnbgMLu~-3m5ieCsJidxC40jkIAcqtgliyctgXx3O4QDUMoYWf3qD7EelmOpirFPJJcLR--NSjG55JLBPJd-42bI8KMpoUfg5s8rk4QQz6d7UeDZAn5ErJrA69fJdrm1npWKUQFzzWxcfYAXplDAlkPwq~tMPI7HCIYbKNY8Upna1oDO~VqBIEv8csyDR11ROklnC-Pt9b1H6yXuqage2Is-mM9iE7eykyGd9sJI34ZRISKatkITF7g7ZuFQgiN3p6PUEmzXSgSCApAZ9qZnkY1KjrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Methacton School District","date","2025-03-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Methacton curriculum team reported that a package of new and revised curricular documents and resource adoptions has been posted for public review (28 days, March 19–April 15) and will return to the board for action in April.

Dr. Walsh said the materials up for public review include new elective courses in Data Science and Cybersecurity, revised science curricula aligned to Pennsylvania’s new standards, updated world‑language and technical‑education documents, an AP Human Geography text required by the College Board, a proposed ELA resource (My Perspectives) for middle grades, the Character Strong K–12 SEL program and additional science lab kits and resources. The materials will be available for public inspection and the administration will present them for board approval at the April action meeting.

A board member asked whether districts had outcome data for the My Perspectives series; Dr. Walsh said the copyright is recent (2025) and that she would seek examples from other districts using the series. Several board members also expressed support for the new cybersecurity and data‑science electives and asked for clarifying information on how the new courses will be implemented and staffed.

No formal action was taken at Tuesday’s meeting; the curriculum documents will sit for 28 days of public review before the board votes in April.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 18, 2025, 7:00 PM - Work Session of the Board","oneSentenceSummary","District curriculum items and resource adoptions were posted for a 28‑day public review period, including new Data Science and Cybersecurity electives, revisions aligned to new science standards, an AP Human Geography text, and a proposed ELA resource (My Perspectives).","taxTitle","Methacton SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",55561,"location","Pennsylvania","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6629193,"North Montco students describe hands‑on programs to Methacton board; five SkillsUSA medalists recognized",810,190000,1000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2706842-64497bf7cfc4f4d7d9aaf93dc0f065f5&start=190&end=1000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2706842-64497bf7cfc4f4d7d9aaf93dc0f065f5/thumbnail_190000.jpg","/articles/6629193/Pennsylvania/North-Montco-students-describe-handson-programs-to-Methacton-board-five-SkillsUSA-medalists-recognized","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6629193-25cb21419bdaca18345727509c79d674/orig.mp4?Expires=1770914274&Signature=iwnhQw8ulAGQnMeDeM3JtGkcdv9XIJcNoE4o-4bRdJE9z94nd-vSfMMVywvCV2i24gXAU11hPZW1ARyXzPRaXjaFb6IXk2Ubzdi0h6uy3CcoXXqOmFagN~w23aAysD7gH3Z58gjLaOFvBhYU5CaCTqBPmLSqo8L3SdW0Bw~V9A-osv4Bm-9-9dEgDU7MKQXqW44zEfbeEAd~0xcyHf80mYXQq16a0~YwXrPn7Z55Rj~bmmiiUVPu0PlZqGIREUjqeWOVqbcRO9FZ4R6YK5HFX-35p-reV7AtMJbXKFTtLdcxaYkafr8fbHAz9dYfmYFjYrHsW8wqfQpC9yOcdJWkCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","North Montco Technical Career Center brought students to the Methacton School District board meeting to describe career‑and‑technical programs and to accept recognition for recent SkillsUSA district medals.

Beth Ann Hawes, Administrative Director at North Montco, introduced two students: Madeline, a ninth‑grade Health Science student who said she plans to pursue work with premature infants, and Misty Emerson, a senior in North Montco’s Protective Services program who said she plans to study fire administration and EMS (she reported having completed Fire I and EMT certifications and said she has an unpaid internship with Upper Marion Fire & EMS).

Board members asked the students what inspired their career choices and what they valued most about their programs; the students emphasized hands‑on scenarios, teamwork and internship opportunities. North Montco and district leaders highlighted the role of the PIAP (a full‑time program that allows qualifying students to work in lieu of attending their home‑school schedule) as a pathway to on‑the‑job experience.

Dr. Hawes and district staff also presented SkillsUSA results from the district competition: Methacton students who earned district first‑place medals and will advance to the state competition in Hershey in April include Avery Smith (Culinary Arts) and Elijah Perdue (mechatronics, team competition). Second‑place district winners included Jacinda Myth (Social Media Marketing) and Misty Emerson (Protective Services); third place included Mason Idemarco (Auto Tech). The board thanked students and North Montco for expanding career‑readiness options for Methacton students.

No formal board action was taken on the presentation; the board offered congratulations and encouragement.","North Montco Technical Career Center director Beth Ann Hawes introduced Methacton students who described Health Science and Protective Services programs; the board recognized district students who earned SkillsUSA district medals and named two first‑place winners advancing to states.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6629198,"Methacton pauses new high‑school design after $213M borrowing projection; feasibility study ordered",2965,4775000,7740000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2706842-64497bf7cfc4f4d7d9aaf93dc0f065f5&start=4775&end=7740","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2706842-64497bf7cfc4f4d7d9aaf93dc0f065f5/thumbnail_4775000.jpg","/articles/6629198/Pennsylvania/Methacton-pauses-new-highschool-design-after-213M-borrowing-projection-feasibility-study-ordered","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6629198-f00e886b4d3dc2ba610e1ae79b6c9884/orig.mp4?Expires=1770914274&Signature=CvzgYY~DG8GoMzL3wwhh00CkNXQiWjne3S~21JkI43xd-08JfR8dYmeMsQG3hknIME8oKvsO1hOgExeNfMDV0tNwDagmJ00qRmJE3NQ~ZvOs7UlNkCWTx7KELutQubC367gTavYfZEBwSoICHA3zC-lmVP~v9QWPvERz3BnRAfhtHRQjrj4dmMgbr~RP1tvrM9T8Veeqaqk0x4DhVIW~~7WuajulZ3yafRJewgssuYQ1oCbod-AWhv15yqP8PLjmbC24-3HrfqYk~zIo5NZVV1173zhUy3WbB01rJRgcqhFTRM81SkCXp46ig5N21jZRp1NkTsc4JFsF3LLe8foWpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members were presented updated five‑year financial projections that modeled a $213 million borrowing scenario for a new high school and found the district would face budget deficits beginning in fiscal year 2027–28. Superintendent Dr. Zerbe told the board the projected borrowing would place \"significant strain\" on future budgets and recommended not moving into design development at this time.

Representatives from CHA and Schrader Group (the district’s owners’ representatives and design team) briefed the board on next steps if the board agrees to shift focus from new construction to a feasibility study for improvements to the existing high‑school campus. CHA said the feasibility effort will re‑examine programmatic needs and develop options that could include renovations, targeted additions, HVAC and accessibility improvements, circulation/site changes, and phased work plans.

Key financial and timeline points presented by the administration and consultants:

- Updated project cost modeled at $213,000,000 (an increase from earlier $170,000,000 assumptions). The administration said that borrowing at that level would produce deficits starting in FY 2027–28 under current assumptions.
- Administration recommended pausing design development and instead asking the design team to prepare a feasibility study and concept alternatives for the existing campus.
- CHA and Schrader proposed a four‑to‑five month process to program, survey and generate concept designs if the board authorizes the work: approve a proposal (March), complete a building survey and model (by late March/April), confirm updated budget input from PFM in April, develop concept designs (May), refine phasing and budgets (June), and present concepts in July.
- Consultants said the board would likely see a proposal next week for professional fees to begin the feasibility effort; the teams estimated a combined not‑to‑exceed fee in the range of roughly $150,000 to take the district through concept development (administration characterized the total as about $150,000 for the next step).
- Separately, the board’s bills paid report included a $10,000 escrow deposit to the Lower Providence Township Sewer Authority tied to the high‑school project permitting process; consultants recommended continuing the public sewer connection process because on‑site wastewater treatment is not ideal.

Board members expressed disappointment about pausing the new‑school design and emphasized the need to preserve the educational programming goals that motivated the original plan (for example, upgraded arts, FabLab, collaborative learning and life‑skills space). Some members asked for additional time to evaluate priorities, for a longer projection and sensitivity analysis from PFM, and for prompt follow‑up reports from the design team. Consultants cautioned the board that permitting and surveys take time and that moving forward on the feasibility study now would avoid losing schedule momentum.","Updated five‑year projections showed a $213 million borrowing scenario would drive deficits later in the forecast; the superintendent recommended pausing design development for a new high school and directed consultants to develop a feasibility study of improvements to the existing campus.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6629202,"Methacton board reviews three‑year structured‑literacy plan with lab schools, year‑one cost in proposed budget",1545,1055000,2600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2706842-64497bf7cfc4f4d7d9aaf93dc0f065f5&start=1055&end=2600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2706842-64497bf7cfc4f4d7d9aaf93dc0f065f5/thumbnail_1055000.jpg","/articles/6629202/Pennsylvania/Methacton-board-reviews-threeyear-structuredliteracy-plan-with-lab-schools-yearone-cost-in-proposed-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6629202-714f9b025159bb26713802d02c7067cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770914274&Signature=Wzf2pwo~J6KXPm8nBVjO3uS2fSiollF~sw9k0zSCyiJC~-gu8clwt-MLPSzEux5zUsBChLe6xkals6Kb0y0wqv88yEAr4cjL1ti6fLNksUp6nKznBzGnI0OwVUmykLL9G5S4A32K2faP25X7s96WvHsVq6loXC7SwKRk~i6ZbXrZrdFCM5sIAR-mW9dakihvjkbqdviFbEHM7171xpUZy~Cs4clEmf4zFA4xMMfa1KPOeGCJT8f79zqh07ZV4Ns~1d~VODfLdjrRvduFBeA6U7qwGJsFn5il0vpFCXmNEJJ2mTiMuS167KRxDuLc6~AfotgY3nASUZ5UirFxgFsM3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Methacton School District curriculum staff on Tuesday presented a three‑year structured‑literacy plan that would change K–12 reading instruction districtwide, pilot two lab schools and bring Keys to Literacy and Schools Cubed coaches into classrooms.

The district’s director of curriculum and instruction, Dr. Walsh, told the Board of School Directors the plan responds to statewide changes in teacher‑preparation and reading policy — citing Act 55 and Chapter 49 regulations — and aims to move classroom practice from a balanced‑literacy model toward structured literacy grounded in the science of reading.

The plan proposes designating Eagleville Elementary and Kolb Intermediate School as “lab schools” where principals, reading specialists, intervention specialists and instructional coaches would receive monthly, job‑embedded coaching from Schools Cubed (now part of Keys to Literacy). The district said it would train roughly 80 staff across two cohorts (Keys to Beginning Reading for K–4 and Keys to Vocabulary for grades 5–12), certify several staff as coaches and trainers, and provide materials and on‑site coaching across the three‑year rollout.

District staff described the instructional materials and assessments the plan would use: Wonders as the K–6 core resource (with district coaching to align it to structured literacy), My Perspectives proposed for middle grades, DIBELS 8 as the universal screener, LinkIt benchmark assessments for grades 3–12 and diagnostic tools such as the Developmental Spelling Inventory and i‑Ready. For targeted literacy intervention, the district highlighted SIPs (Systematic Instruction in Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words) for K–12 and Read 180 for comprehension and vocabulary support.

Patty Montgomery of Schools Cubed described the lab‑school model as on‑site, month‑by‑month coaching and a diagnostic framework that looks at school systems and trends rather than single‑teacher critiques. Dr. Walsh said Schools Cubed would work with principals and instructional coaches to implement systems for assessment, lesson‑planning templates and progress monitoring.

District leaders tied the plan to measurable outcomes: classroom observations and walkthroughs aligned to the structured‑literacy framework, benchmark assessment gains across the year, and an expected reduction in special‑education referrals as instruction and interventions improve. Dr. Walsh told the board the administration will present a contract recommendation next week to lock year‑one pricing; she said a $142,200 commitment is currently factored into the proposed 2025–26 budget for year one of the work.

Board members pressed for operational details: why Eagleville and Kolb were chosen (both are Title I schools, district staff said), how training for a small cohort at a lab school will be cascaded back to other buildings, how many in‑service days would be required (Keys to Beginning Reading proposed as two days per year), and what data will be used to measure success (benchmarks, PSSA/Keystone comparisons and progress monitoring). Dr. Walsh and colleagues said the district will use common planning time, principal walkthroughs and coaching to scale practices to all buildings and will return periodic updates to the board.

No formal board vote was taken Tuesday. Administration said it intends to present the year‑one contract for board consideration at next week’s meeting.","District curriculum leaders and consultants presented a three‑year plan to shift Methacton schools from balanced literacy to a structured‑literacy approach, proposing two lab schools, Keys to Literacy professional learning and a $142,200 year‑one budget commitment to be considered next week.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Methacton posts curriculum revisions for public review; adds data‑science and cybersecurity electives

North Montco students describe hands‑on programs to Methacton board; five SkillsUSA medalists recognized

Methacton pauses new high‑school design after $213M borrowing projection; feasibility study ordered

Methacton board reviews three‑year structured‑literacy plan with lab schools, year‑one cost in proposed budget