Superintendent: academic gains and new K–12 mental‑health services contract announced

Superintendent Dr. Boone reported to the Southmoreland School District Board that preliminary state testing predictions showed the district exceeded expectations in 11 of 16 tested content areas and that Advanced Placement outcomes and AP scholar recognitions continue to improve.

Dr. Boone also confirmed that a recent high‑school roof change order did not void the project warranty and said the district would follow up on isolated reports of tar intrusion during the repair work. On student support, he announced the district has a new comprehensive K–12 mental‑health services arrangement with a contractor (Intersight) to provide referral pathways and supplemental outpatient services that will work in tandem with school counselors.

The contract is intended to expand access for students who previously lacked school‑based behavioral-health services. Dr. Boone described the system as a multi‑tiered referral process and said contracted clinicians will supplement school counselors to help identify students for additional care. Board members asked clarifying operational questions (scheduling, insurance coverage for outpatient treatment), and administration said Connellsville Counseling will provide outpatient referrals where insurance covers services but noted the district is not the payer for outpatient sessions.

The superintendent said the district is also rolling out updated student handbooks and one‑page school calendar graphics for families and highlighted planned staggered start days for grades 6 and 9 to ease transitions into new schedules.