The Coatesville Area School District Board convened on September 9, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives aimed at enhancing student support and career readiness. A significant highlight of the meeting was the approval of the Student Assistance Program (SAP) liaison agreement with the Devereaux Foundation, which provides essential mental health support for students. This program, which has been in place for several years, allows a designated liaison to work closely with school teams to identify students in need and facilitate access to counseling services, all at no cost to the district.
Board members expressed their commitment to ensuring that parents are informed and involved in the process, emphasizing the importance of parental consent before any student interactions occur. The liaison's role includes conducting intakes for referred students and maintaining regular follow-ups to monitor their well-being.
In addition to mental health support, the board approved the On Track Plus user agreement, a college planning tool designed to motivate students to engage in career and college preparation activities. This program offers incentives such as scholarships and dual enrollment opportunities, targeting students who may not have a clear plan for their post-secondary education. Board members discussed the importance of outreach to ensure that all students, particularly those from underrepresented demographics, are aware of and can benefit from these resources.
The meeting also addressed the approval of a contract for supplemental psychological services to meet the growing needs of students requiring mental health support. This agreement allows the district to access additional psychological services on an as-needed basis without incurring costs unless the services are utilized.
Furthermore, the board ratified the purchase of Smart Futures District Licenses, which will provide all K-12 students with unlimited access to career and college resources, enhancing their readiness for future opportunities.
In a broader context, the board announced an initiative to form a comprehensive planning committee, inviting community members to apply and participate in shaping the district's goals for the next three years. This effort aims to foster diverse stakeholder involvement in the decision-making process.
The meeting concluded with a positive note on enrollment trends, highlighting a decrease in charter school enrollment and an increase in the district's own cyber charter program, indicating a successful shift in student preferences.
Overall, the discussions and decisions made during the meeting reflect the Coatesville Area School District's ongoing commitment to supporting student mental health, enhancing career readiness, and engaging the community in educational planning.