Board approves reconfiguration of Scranton High School to 9–12 after debate over honor-society charter and testing consequences

The Scranton School District Board of Directors voted on July 28 to reconfigure Scranton High School from a 7–12 to a 9–12 building, a change board members and administrators said could affect testing at intermediate schools, honor-society charters and certain budget lines.

The motion passed on a 5–4 roll call after more than an hour of discussion. Supporters said administrators and the three middle-school principals favor the change; opponents raised concerns that moving seventh- and eighth-grade STEM students out of their home schools into a program that centralizes those students has historically depressed scores in intermediate buildings and reduced role models for peers.

Nut graf: The change will return state-tested student scores from the STEM program back to students’ home schools for accountability reporting and will require some budget adjustments because funds previously managed by the high school will shift to the STEM program budget; the board asked administration to resolve remaining questions about National Junior Honor Society chartering before full implementation.

What administrators told the board

- Principals’ support: Board member DeLuca reported that he had spoken with the three middle-school principals and that they were “all for it.”

- National Junior Honor Society (NJHS): District staff and program representatives said they are seeking confirmation from NJHS on whether the STEM program can retain a charter as a program if members are technically enrolled at their home schools. Kat (an administrator who spoke during the item) said NJHS had not yet given a final answer and that the district was working to preserve any existing charters.

- Budget and awards: Staff said some budget lines and award-day logistics that previously sat with the high school will need to be reassigned; administrators said they could prepare those adjustments but sought direction from the board before finalizing changes.

Board vote and next steps

The motion to reconfigure passed 5–4. Administration was directed to verify NJHS charter status, finalize required budget adjustments, and, if necessary, pursue state reconfiguration-window steps; staff noted the annual reconfiguration window can be time-limited and asked the board to allow staff to gather outstanding information by the state window date if possible.

Ending: Board members said they would return with detailed answers on the honor-society charter and budget changes; implementation depends on administrative follow-up and any required state approvals.