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Principal outlines 2025'26 curriculum guide, scheduling changes; summer school fee noted
Summary
Principal Dr. Smelko reviewed the 2025'26 curriculum guide and explained scheduling choices for RA rotations, electives and summer school; the board approved the curriculum guide and noted summer school fees and a new parent scheduling night date.
The Punxsutawney Area School District board approved the district's 2025'26 curriculum guide after a detailed presentation from Dr. Smelko, the building principal, who described course scheduling and how the district will handle rotations and elective opportunities for middle and high school students.
Dr. Smelko told the board that next year's RA (resource/allocation) rotation for seventh- and eighth-graders will follow this year's pattern: students will have a class, go to lunch, then return for a second RA period so they retain exposure to English, art, music, technology education and business classes. "So next year's RA rotation for seventh and eighth graders will be just like this year's RA rotation," Dr. Smelko said. He added that the schedule structure also opens a full year option for chorus.
On ninth-grade scheduling, Smelko said most students "will be able to have two" electives. He acknowledged a "very, very small" number of incoming freshmen who may initially be limited to one elective because of scheduling constraints, but said the district plans to offer summer-school options after students complete freshman year to create additional opportunities.
When asked about summer-school costs, Smelko said the district historically charged $75 per class. He said the district would bring any summer-school offerings and fee proposals back to the board for approval when course lists are finalized, and that the district would work with families in extenuating circumstances.
Smelko also told the board that the district will move parent scheduling night from Feb. 25 to Feb. 24 to avoid conflicts with potential playoff games and to maximize parent and student attendance.
Board members asked for clarification about state graduation requirements and Keystone exams. District presenters said Pennsylvania is a standards-based state and that while the state sets standards and Keystone exams factor into some graduation pathways, local districts retain responsibility for ensuring standards are met and may set additional local credit requirements.
After the presentation and questions, the board approved the 2025'26 curriculum guide by voice vote. The board directed staff to finalize course offerings and to notify families of schedule details and the new parent-scheduling date.
The board also confirmed that the student board report will appear next month and that the district will continue to refine daily teacher-period schedules as the next step in implementing the curriculum guide.
