Board bundles contracts, approves dual-enrollment MOUs and behavioral-health agreements

The board approved a package of contracts and agreements designed to expand student services and postsecondary opportunities. Items approved included bus and van contracts and a bundle of partner agreements: a three-year dual-enrollment memorandum of understanding with the Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, a dual-enrollment agreement with Johnson College, 25–26 service and partial-hospitalization agreements with NEIU, a 25–26 community-and-school-based behavioral-health team agreement with LIU, and a compensation study by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) for administration and support staff.

Board members discussed whether any item should be split from the bundled approval; no separations were requested and the motion passed by roll call. In discussion, a board member noted dual-enrollment credits are low-cost to families: "The credits are fractional. They're like $300." The superintendent said broader dual-enrollment access saves families money and supports student transitions to postsecondary pathways.

Superintendent and staff said the dual-enrollment arrangements are intended to increase opportunities for students in neighboring counties to earn college credit while in high school. The board also authorized the compensation study and the behavioral-health agreements that the administration said would support therapeutic and school-based mental-health services.

What happens next: district staff will finalize MOU terms and implementation dates, and the administration will report on student enrollment in dual-enrollment courses and on the rollout of behavioral-health services as contracts commence.