Board reviews 2025–26 calendar, program‑of‑studies changes and balanced scorecard; administrators flag math, engagement and pilot assessments

Plum Borough School District administrators on Jan. 14 presented the 2025–26 school calendar, proposed updates to the program of studies at the middle and high school, and a draft balanced scorecard that summarizes strategic goals and key performance indicators.

Calendar and scheduling: Doctor Boyers, district administrator, said the 2025–26 calendar closely mirrors the current year. The board approved the calendar on a voice vote; officials said construction for approved capital projects may begin in June and that the district will over‑communicate flexible instructional days so families understand asynchronous work expectations.

Program of studies — middle and high school: Doctor Czarmak and high school administrators outlined program changes. For the middle school the district plans targeted scheduling adjustments and additional PDLA (online/Personalized Digital Learning Academy) course offerings to inform student choice. At the high school, administration proposed reinstating English 12, creating a second level of construction technology/manufacturing, and launching a Fire Service Training Academy (an eight‑module course leading to Fire 1 certification). Proposed course retirements include Global Business, Honors Mobile App, Microbiology/Biochem/Bioinformatics and several elective English courses; administrators said some content from retiring electives would be integrated into other courses. The board voted to move the program study items forward.

Engagement, assessments and performance: Administrators flagged concerns about student engagement and mathematics scores. The district reported a decline in an engagement survey indicator for high school students and noted uneven instructional practice across classrooms. Mr. Bachman, a board member, said the engagement metric “concerns me” and asked for clearer alignment to the district’s Portrait of a Graduate and comprehensive plan.

Assessment pilot and data strategy: Administrators described piloting a standards‑aligned diagnostic assessment called Firefly in several grades and buildings. Firefly produces real‑time, standards‑based diagnostic reports and open‑ended response data that district staff say could better identify student mastery and inform targeted instruction. The district also described work toward a central data warehouse to integrate assessment information and help guide program reviews.

Balanced scorecard and next steps: Superintendent Doctor Walsh (presenting administration) said the balanced scorecard will likely be revisited after the comprehensive plan and Portrait of a Graduate are final so strategic goals and KPIs align with the district’s vision. The administration proposed more frequent board touchpoints on KPIs than the current annual report and asked the board to expect ongoing data briefs, program reviews and pilot outcomes ahead of staffing and budget decisions.