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Manheim Township superintendent outlines priorities after first 100 days, targets reading gains and Medicaid revenue
Summary
Dr. Bighetti presented a "first 100 days" plan emphasizing reading proficiency, multi-tiered supports, special-education staffing adjustments, safety protocols and communication upgrades. She set a district goal of raising ELA proficiency and described a plan to pursue Medicaid claiming to offset special-education costs.
Dr. Bighetti, superintendent of the Manheim Township School District, used her superintendent's report to summarize meetings and set priorities after completing her first 100 days on the job.
She said the district will focus on community engagement, culture and systems, stakeholder relationships, and transparency, and that student reading outcomes will be a top priority. "I completed my first 100 days as a Blue Streeter," she told the board, adding, "Safety is our number 1 priority."
The superintendent set an academic target tied to state assessments: she said the district is "currently starting with 68% of our students proficient in ELA" and aims to reach 80% proficiency. She detailed subgroup gaps the district plans to address: 47.8% proficiency among economically disadvantaged students, 23% for students with disabilities and 13% for students with language needs.
To raise reading outcomes, Dr. Bighetti said the district will implement a consistent multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) across schools and provide teachers with more-accessible data dashboards so interventions can begin earlier. She said the district's current data systems are outdated and will require investment.
On special education and district finances, the superintendent recommended "rightsizing" special-education staffing and pursuing Medicaid reimbursement for services already being provided. She described an estimate range of "$400,000 to $2,200,000" in potential revenue from maximizing Medicaid claims, while warning the work will require additional staff documentation and training.
Safety initiatives include reinforcing a locked-door culture and altering fire-drill responses so staff "pause and consider" whether it is safe to exit a classroom. Dr. Bighetti also proposed exploring expansion of school-based health clinic services to include mental-health supports and noted long community waitlists for psychiatric care.
On communications and operations, she asked the board to examine the district's multiple messaging platforms (Remind, TeamSnap, Schoology and Sapphire), improve language access, standardize district branding, and review signage at district facilities. She also proposed a Title IX plan and training rollout for principals and suggested holding two full days per year in school buildings to improve visibility.
Board members praised the report. Multiple members commended its detail and measurable goals and encouraged including student voice and parent feedback in planned surveys and calendar discussions.
