Superintendent Dr. Rybarczyk told the Coatesville Area School District board on Dec. 9 that four district schools were officially exited from federal school improvement designations under the Every Student Succeeds Act.

"Four CASD schools were officially exited from their federal school improvement designations," Dr. Rybarczyk said, calling the removal of multiple schools at once "a significant and uncommon achievement." He credited school leaders, teachers, staff, families and the Pennsylvania Department of Education for collaborative improvement plans and supports.

The superintendent also summarized community and student-centered activities: a Coatesville Christmas Parade with band and football participation, a Photos with Santa event that drew more than 500 attendees and generated just over $1,000 for the local food bank, and the Cash Interact Club’s coat drive that dropped off 84 brand-new coats to the Salvation Army for distribution in Coatesville.

Dr. Rybarczyk described student-teacher partnership efforts and said the district had two potential positions open for student teachers (a building substitute and a math position), though one candidate had not yet accepted an offer. He noted that the district will distribute the realignment presentation materials and interactive maps to families and will hold committee meetings in January (Jan. 13) and a regular board meeting on Jan. 27.

When a public commenter linked the designation changes to other processes, Dr. Rybarczyk clarified the exit is related to federal school improvement plans and not the district’s separate special education audit. He also thanked staff and community members involved in the improvement work.

The board acknowledged the announcement and moved on to committee and action agenda items.