Administration highlights academic gains, previews new college-credit courses and curriculum resource purchases

District administrators used the Dec. 11 meeting to highlight student achievement and preview program and instructional resource decisions for next year.

The Academic Achievement and Growth Report (AAGR) was presented as evidence of district strength. Administrators said the district aims to perform in Pennsylvania's top 10% and noted specific results including Keystone biology performance reportedly in the top 1% statewide. They emphasized a K–12 focus and use of local common assessments to drive continuous improvement.

Administrators previewed agreements with Robert Morris University (RMU) and Point Park University for high-school students to earn college credit; family costs were reported as $250 per student for RMU and $225 for Point Park (reducing to $150 if enrollments exceed 10). Staff said these partnerships are intended to provide student savings while not requiring additional district FTEs in many cases, although there are resource costs tied to course materials.

The board reviewed proposed resource purchases and renewals for AP and career-technical courses, with multi-year estimates (examples: CHS information technology ~$5,547 over six years; cybersecurity ~$5,551 over eight years). The K–5 MyMath resource will require a one-year purchase to bridge to a larger adoption next year. Administrators said they are mindful of costs and are balancing renewals with other budget decisions.

The board did not reject the proposals but asked for continued vetting and community input ahead of final spring recommendations; some directors voiced concern about new expenses while facing an operating deficit.