Superintendent outlines full-day kindergarten rollout, facilities review and proposed youth aid panel

Perkiomen Valley School District Superintendent Doctor Russell told the board the district is continuing implementation of full-day kindergarten and described a typical day, including morning meetings, ELA and purposeful play that integrates early social studies skills. He said teachers report good progress but that some kindergarten students are still building stamina.

Russell also told the board administration is recommending formation of a facilities task force to review building capacities and how district space is used. He emphasized the group is for study and that “the board has to approve” any changes; no recommendations or grade‑level reassignments have been made. The task force will start this month with administrators and expand to include school staff and community stakeholders.

The superintendent described interest at the high school in a county-level youth aid panel led by Assistant District Attorney Angela Bell. “We have 22 staff at the high school who have raised their hand and said, I'd like to be on the panel… We need 6,” Russell said, explaining the panel is intended as an alternative to in‑school or out‑of‑school suspension with restorative practices and community service options.

Russell closed by reminding the board about two upcoming Act 80 days for staff professional learning and how the district meets statutory hours for the school year.

The board did not take formal action on the facilities task force or the youth aid panel at this meeting; Russell said any implementation would require board approval and possible handbook changes.