Former Board Member criticizes lack of transparency and student safety measures in school district

The Schuylkill Valley School District Board Meeting held on March 24, 2025, was marked by significant concerns regarding student performance, administrative transparency, and safety protocols. The meeting began with a critical commentary from a former board member who expressed dismay over the recent Keystone test scores, which were presented without any remarks from the superintendent. This individual emphasized a perceived shift in focus from educational quality to administrative expansion, highlighting a lack of accountability for the superintendent.

The former board member raised alarms about the departure of experienced staff, citing 20 professionals who left under the current administration, collectively bringing 470 years of service to the district. This exodus was framed as a sign of deeper issues within the leadership, calling for a change in direction for the district.

Another speaker, Joe Brown from Burn Township, echoed concerns about transparency, particularly regarding a recent gun incident at the school. He criticized the board for not adequately informing the public about the seriousness of the situation, which he described as an attempted premeditated attack. Brown's comments pointed to a troubling lack of urgency and communication from the board and administration over the past six months, suggesting that basic safety measures, such as security camera systems, were inadequate.

The meeting also featured a contentious exchange regarding the board's communication practices. Brown noted that many questions posed during public comments went unanswered, leading to frustration among community members. He highlighted the need for improved transparency and responsiveness from the board, particularly in light of serious incidents affecting student safety.

Overall, the meeting underscored a growing discontent among board members and community stakeholders regarding leadership effectiveness, student safety, and the quality of education within the Schuylkill Valley School District. The discussions indicated a pressing need for accountability and a reevaluation of priorities to better serve the educational needs of students.