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Octorara board approves realignment: grades 3-5 at intermediate, grade 6 to middle school
Summary
Board approved reassigning grades 3to5 to the Intermediate School and sixth grade to the Middle School beginning 2025-26; several board members expressed concerns about the compressed summer rollout and logistics.
The Octorara Area School District Board on March 17 approved a realignment of grades that will place grades 3 through 5 at Octorara Intermediate School and grade 6 at Octorara Middle School beginning in the 2025-26 school year. The board directed the superintendent to begin reorganization with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
The realignment passed after extended discussion. Several board members said they supported the educational goals of reduced transitions and stronger middle-school programming but voiced concern about the timeline and implementation logistics. Concerns included moving furniture and materials, hiring and assigning staff while the reorganization will take place largely over the summer, and ensuring teachers and buildings are prepared before school opens.
Administrators said planning work has begun: principals collected task lists from teachers, and facilities and operations staff will work through finer logistical challenges. The superintendent said a hiring process for positions affected by realignment would roll out the next day if the vote passed, and staff will continue to provide updated implementation timelines to the board. The board approved the motion on a voice vote after discussion.
